Model for imaging magnetic fields using a magnetooptic indicator

A theoretical model for magnetooptic imaging using an indicator is presented. The model gives a detailed description of the magnetooptic indicator and the optical imaging system, where the intensity at the detector plane is described by a set of diffraction integrals. To demonstrate the applicability of the model, some issues concerning imaging of single vortices in superconductors are studied. It is found that the useful signal is strongly dependent on the penetration depth of the superconductor, and also the sensitivity and thickness of the indicator. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.