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 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 dielectric coatings on Ni along with calculations for a three-layer structure. Incidence angle effects are also presented.
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1 November 2006
Research Article|
November 14 2006
Optical coatings for improved contrast in longitudinal magneto-optic Kerr effect measurements
P. R. Cantwell;
P. R. Cantwell
Thayer School of Engineering
, HB 8000 Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755
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U. J. Gibson;
U. J. Gibson
a)
Thayer School of Engineering
, HB 8000 Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755
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D. A. Allwood;
D. A. Allwood
Department of Engineering Materials, Sir Robert Hadfield Building,
University of Sheffield
, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom
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H. A. M. Macleod
H. A. M. Macleod
Thin Film Center Inc.
, 2745 E Via Rotonda, Tucson, Arizona 85716-5227
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a)
Electronic mail: u.gibson@dartmouth.edu
J. Appl. Phys. 100, 093910 (2006)
Article history
Received:
February 23 2006
Accepted:
August 27 2006
Citation
P. R. Cantwell, U. J. Gibson, D. A. Allwood, H. A. M. Macleod; Optical coatings for improved contrast in longitudinal magneto-optic Kerr effect measurements. J. Appl. Phys. 1 November 2006; 100 (9): 093910. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2364391
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