Magneto Optic Kerr Effect

Magneto Optic Kerr Effect (MOKE) experiments are designed to detect small changes in polarization that occur because magnetic fields influence the polarization state of optical radiation as it passes through a transparent medium.
 

PEM Setting:  quarter-wave retardation (λ/4)
Polarization Modulation:  right and left circular polarized light
Lock-in reference:  PEM's 1st Harmonic
 

The modulated light is then reflected by the sample, which is situated in the center of the electromagnet poles.  Setting the analyzer angle to 0° greatly simplifies the mathematical relationship between the intensity ratios measured and the magneto-optical parameters.  The following equation determines the intensity.

where I₀ is related to the intensity of the source and is the phase of the PEM. k is the complex Kerr rotation and e_k is the Kerr ellipticity.
 

APPLICATIONS

• Data Storage
• Disk Recording Systems
• Dynamic Studies of Film Growth

TYPICAL HEAD ASSEMBLIES

I/FS50 with ARC
Magnetic Field Compatibility Option (MFC)
 

ADDITIONAL TOOLS

MOKE Complete Solution Packages
 

FURTHER READING

R. Atkinson, G. Didrichsen,W.R. Hendren, I.W. Salter and R.J. Pollard, "Dynamic in situ optical and magneto-optical monitoring of the growth of Co/Au multilayers", Phys.Rev. B, 62, 18, 12 294-12 302 (2000).

R. Atkinson, "Dynamic in situ optical and magneto-optical monitoring of the growth of Co/Au multilayers", J. Phys.: Condens. Matter. 12, 7735-7745 (2000).

Bennemann K.H., (Ed), Nonlinear Optics in Metals, Clarendon Press, Oxford, (1998).

R. Atkinson, G. Didrichsen,W.R. Hendren, I.W. Salter and R.J. Pollard, "Dynamic in situ optical and magneto-optical monitoring of the growth of Co-Pd multilayers" J. Phys.: Condens. Matter. 13, 691-705 (2001).
 

Magneto-Optic Kerr Effect
Magnetism in a New Light 
 

Contact Us for additional information about using PEMs in a Magneto-Optic set-up.