Magneto-optical constants of fluoride optical crystals and other AB2 and A2B type compounds

Abstract

Measurements of the magneto-optical rotation at visible wavelengths for the optical crystals MgF₂, CaF₂, SrF₂, BaF₂ and PbF₂ are reported. A pulsed magnetic filed between 50 and 80 kG was used. The PbF₂ crystal was shown to be a good choice for the construction of optical isolators operating in the near UV. From the data, the magneto-optic anomaly factor γ for each sample was calculated and magneto-optic constants reported in the literature for other compounds with the general formulae AB₂ and A₂B were compiled. The magneto-optic anomaly factors for these types of materials are analysed in terms of Pauling's electronegativity.