Abstract: Glass/nanoparticle composites are provided which include a glass matrix with a high density of heterologous nanoparticles embedded therein adjacent the outer surfaces of the composite. Preferably, the glass matrix is formed of porous glass and the nanoparticles are yttrium-iron nanocrystals which exhibit the property of altering the polarization of incident electromagnetic radiation; the composites are thus suitable for use in electrooptical recording media. In practice, a glass matrix having suitable porosity is contacted with a colloidal dispersion containing amorphous yttrium-iron nanoparticles in order to embed the nanoparticles within the surface pores of the matrix. The treated glass matrix is then heated under time-temperature conditions to convert the amorphous nanoparticles into a crystalline state while also fusing the glass matrix pores.

Abstract: Glass/nanoparticle composites are provided which include a glass matrix with a high density of heterologous nanoparticles embedded therein adjacent the outer surfaces of the composite. Preferably, the glass matrix is formed of porous glass and the nanoparticles are yttrium-iron nanocrystals which exhibit the property of altering the polarization of incident electromagnetic radiation; the composites are thus suitable for use in electrooptical recording media. In practice, a glass matrix having suitable porosity is contacted with a colloidal dispersion containing amorphous yttrium-iron nanoparticles in order to embed the nanoparticles within the surface pores of the matrix. The treated glass matrix is then heated under time-temperature conditions to convert the amorphous nanoparticles into a crystalline state while also fusing the glass matrix pores.

Abstract: Glass/nanoparticle composites are provided which include a glass matrix with a high density of heterologous nanoparticles embedded therein adjacent the outer surfaces of the composite. Preferably, the glass matrix is formed of porous glass and the nanoparticles are yttrium-iron nanocrystals which exhibit the property of altering the polarization of incident electromagnetic radiation; the composites are thus suitable for use in electrooptical recording media. In practice, a glass matrix having suitable porosity is contacted with a colloidal dispersion containing amorphous yttrium-iron nanoparticles in order to embed the nanoparticles within the surface pores of the matrix. The treated glass matrix is then heated under time-temperature conditions to convert the amorphous nanoparticles into a crystalline state while also fusing the glass matrix pores.

Abstract: An anomalously strong magneto-optical effect of a magnetic fluid thin film is obtainable when an external magnetic field is applied in the perpendicular direction to the propagation of the light beam, thus making the magnetic fluid thin film possess a birefringent property. In consequence thereof, a phase difference appears between the two modes of the light which pass through the magnetic fluid thin film. The phase difference is a single valued function of the magnetic field applied to the thin film. An apparatus using such an effect (hereinafter referred to as Magnetic Fluid Thin Film's Anomalous Pseudo-Cotton-Mouton Effect) is primarily for detecting a magnetic field and can be used as a magnetic field sensor, a transformer, an apparatus for controlling a light intensity containing an optical shutter and an optical modulator, an optically bistable apparatus, a memory for an optical computer and a light intensity stabilizer for lasers and an optical amplifier.