Paving the Way for the Success of Magneto-Optics

Abstract

Quantitative high resolution magneto-optical imaging of flux structures as developed in the period 1970-1980 gained much popularity after the discovery of high temperature superconductivity in cuprates. In this historical review the developments of the early days are described with applications of this technique to study flux penetration in type-I and the determination of pinning forces in type-II superconductors.