Perspective on imaging antiferromagnetic domains in thin films with the magneto-optical birefringence effect

Abstract

Antiferromagnets are considered to be a promising host material for the next generation of magnetic storage due to their high stability and stray-field-free property. However, the absence of net magnetization in antiferromagnets renders conventional magnetometry ineffective, posing a great challenge in investigating microscopic antiferromagnetic (AFM) properties under magnetic or electric fields. In this Perspective, we provide an overview of various AFM domain imaging techniques and discuss the most promising optical imaging method based on the magneto-optical birefringence (MOB) effect. Additionally, we highlight recent advances in imaging AFM domains utilizing the MOB technique. This Perspective aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current research and potential future directions based on the MOB imaging technique, which could pave the way for the development of more efficient and reliable magnetic storage devices based on antiferromagnets.