Experimental study of domain-wall deformation in Co-doped YIG epitaxia
l films under irradiation by linearly polarized light is reported. A s
imple theoretical model offering explanation for the observed effects
as due to the onset of photo-induced anisotropy in the illuminated vol
ume of the film is proposed. The experimental results are described qu
antitatively within the model. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.