Optical coatings for improved contrast in longitudinal magneto-optic Kerr effect measurements

We have studied the increases in the longitudinal magneto-optic Kerr effect signal contrast that can be achieved by the application of optical overlayers on magnetic films. For simple coatings, a factor of ∼ 3 improvement in signal contrast is possible. Matching the optical impedance of the magnetic...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied physics 2006-11, Vol.100 (9), p.093910-093910-9
Main Authors: Cantwell, P. R., Gibson, U. J., Allwood, D. A., Macleod, H. A. M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:We have studied the increases in the longitudinal magneto-optic Kerr effect signal contrast that can be achieved by the application of optical overlayers on magnetic films. For simple coatings, a factor of ∼ 3 improvement in signal contrast is possible. Matching the optical impedance of the magnetic material improves the raw Kerr signal and also reduces the sample reflectivity, yielding a large Kerr angle. The contrast can be optimized by increasing the rotated Kerr reflectivity component while maintaining enough of the base reflectivity Fresnel component to produce a strong signal. Calculations and experimental results are presented for single layer Zr O 2 dielectric coatings on Ni along with calculations for a three-layer Au - Zr O 2 - Ni structure. Incidence angle effects are also presented.
ISSN:0021-8979
1089-7550
DOI:10.1063/1.2364391