Photography of Magnetic Domains Using the Transverse Kerr Effect

A technique is described for photographing magnetic domains using the transverse magneto-optic Kerr effect. Domain photography by the longitudinal effect is, of course, a well-established technique, but we are unaware of previous use of the transverse effect in this connection. The method involves the use of crossed polarizers and a phase-adjusting arrangement. An expression is derived for optical contrast between adjacent domains.