Thermo-optical mirror on a free ferrofluid surface

Here we report on the first, to our knowledge, direct experimental observation of giant thermo-optical mirror effect on the free surface of ferrofluid under He-Ne laser excitation. In our experiment a slightly focused laser beam of power in mW range is incident nearly normally to the surface, and a characteristic diffraction ring pattern has been observed in reflection mode. Concave surface deformation has been clearly observed at laser irradiated spot and has been explained in terms of lubrication theory approach for laser driven thermocapillary motion in thin layer of light absorbing fluid.