Magnetic linear dichroism of an antiferromagnetic MnF2 crystal: Oddness in two different antiferromagnetic states

Dichroism of linearly polarized light propagating along the tetragonal C 4 axis, induced by a longitudinal magnetic field, has been revealed in a tetragonal antiferromagnetic manganese fluoride crystal in the region of optical transitions. The magnetic linear dichroism observed is proportional to the magnetic field strength and odd with respect to the field sign. The value of the effect is sufficient for optical observation of antiferromagnetic domains in MnF2 crystals.