Relations between magneto-optical properties and reactivity in cobalt-manganese ferrite thin films and powders

Co-Mn spinel ferrites were prepared as submicron powders and thin films. Because of their finely divided state, these spinels could be oxidized at low temperatures to give novel cation-deficient ferrites. For these two material forms, the magneto-optical properties were found to be strongly dependent on the ferrite oxidation state. The highest coercivities and Faraday rotations were obtained when the ferrites were partially oxidized. These phenomena are attributed to the mechanical stress effect developed during the oxidation of the manganese ions. The properties of these ferrites could be of interest for magneto-optical recording applications. The first static recording tests were performed at 780 nm wavelength.