Analytical theory and method for longitudinal magneto-optical Kerr effect of optically anisotropic magnetic film

The Fresnel equations are solved to analyze the reflection and propagation properties of the ordinary and extraordinary light of the optically anisotropic magnetic film. Using the boundary and propagation matrix, the longitudinal magneto-optical Kerr rotation expression is derived. After that, simulations are performed on optically anisotropic and isotropic Co/SiO₂ film. Results show that for Co material in the thin-film limit, the anisotropic Co can provide larger max rotations than the isotropic Co in the visible region. This is because that the refractive index discrepancy of optically anisotropic Co film reduces the Fresnel reflective coefficient r_pp, which improves the Kerr rotation. This makes the optically anisotropic Co film more effective in magneto optical sensor design and device fabrication. - Highlights: • In this work, using the boundary matrix and media propagation matrix developed by Zak and S.D.Bader,we get the analytical solution of the magneto-optical Kerr rotation of the optical anisotropic magnetic film. • Results show that for film in the thin-film limit, the anisotropic Co can provide larger maximum rotations than the isotropic Co. • The improvement of Kerr rotation can be attributed to the refractive index discrepancy of optically anisotropic Co film which reduce the Fresnel reflective coefficient rpp.