Magnetorefractive Effect in Magnetoresistive Materials

Abstract

In this chapter, we survey early and later experimental and theoretical results on the magnetorefractive effect in: (i) all-metal multilayers and granular alloys with giant magnetoresistance, (ii) metal–insulator multilayers and nanocomposites with tunnel magnetoresistance, (iii) bulk single- and polycrystals, thin films and heterostructures of manganites with colossal magnetoresistance, focusing on recent developments that have led to a better understanding of the magnetorefractive effect in the infrared and visible range of spectrum and to the recognition of unsolved problems and possible routes for the magnetorefractive effect enhancement. The possible applications of the magnetorefractive effect are also discussed.