Spin-angle topography of hexagonal manganites by magnetic second-harmonic generation

Abstract

Magnetic second-harmonic generation is used for imaging of the orientation of the spins in antiferromagnetic ScMnO3 and HoMnO3 with 10 μm resolution and an accuracy of about 1°. This allows the observation of sample inhomogeneities and the coexistence of magnetic phases. The method is based on simple geometric arguments which should be applicable to a large variety of magnetic materials. © 2000 American Institute of Physics.