Magnetoacoustic surface waves in magnetic crystals at reorientation phase transitions

Theoretical and experimental work on magnetoacoustic surface waves in ferro- and antiferromagnets is reviewed. Results on the propagation of magnetoelastic waves of the Rayleigh and Lamb types in a plate are presented within the framework of a rotational and translational invariant theory. Shear mode spectra of magnetostrictive and piezomagnetic acoustic surface waves are given with emphasis on the vicinity of reorientation phase transitions, The problem of soft mode types involved in phase transitions is discussed in detail. A comparison is made of the experimental results and theoretical predictions on Rayleigh wave propagation in magnetic materials.