Three-dimensional magnetophotonic crystals based on artificial opals: fabrication and properties

We have fabricated three-dimensional magnetophotonic (3D MPCs) crystals based on artificial opals. Structural and magnetic properties of 3D MPCs were studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction analysis, and vibrating sample magnetometer. It was shown that increase of volume fraction of magnetite in the opal lattice leads to a dramatic decrease of transmitted light intensity in the visible region. We also found considerable changes in the Faraday rotation inside the (111) photonic bandgap of an opal-magnetite magnetophotonic crystal.