Infrared magneto-optical composite materials based on manganite powders

First results on the study of the magneto-optical properties of powder composites based on doped manganites are presented. A giant change of the intensity of unpolarized infrared light transmitted through the composites under the external magnetic field applied (magnetotransmission effect) has been revealed. The optical properties of manganite composites and the magnitude of magnetotransmission effect were similar to those for the epitaxial films. The powder composites based on doped manganites seem to be prospective for the creation of any alternative infrared magnetooptical elements driven by the magnetic field.