Novel properties and applications in magnetic fluids

In this review, we will report a series of investigations on the homemade homogeneous magnetic fluids. The most spectacular property discussed in our research is the ordered structure of the magnetic columns formed in the magnetic fluid thin film under the influence of the external magnetic field, either perpendicular or parallel to the film surface. It is worth noting that the ordered structure can be manipulated by changing the control parameters. This reveals the variability of the ordered structure. With the ordered structures, some significant magneto-optical characteristics such as magnetochromatics, birefringence, and field-dependent transmittance are generated. These optical properties form the groundwork for further development of related optical devices by using the homogeneous magnetic fluid films.