Linearity and Magnetization Process in Garnet Films for Magnetic Field Sensors

Abstract

The influence of the irreversible magnetization process of the stripe domain on the linearity error in (BiGdLaY)₃(FeGa)₅ O₁₂ films for optical magnetic field sensors is studied. The domain period and wall coercive force were determined by measuring the applied field dependence of the angle at which the light beam is diffracted by the periodic magnetic domain structure. The magnetization curves calculated according to the modified stripe domain theory, incorporating wall coercivity, showed good agreement with the experimental results as regards the AC output characteristics, especially a large linearity error in the very small external field region.