Enhancement of the transverse Kerr magneto-optic effect by surface magnetoplasma waves

The results of a theoretical and experimental investigation of the enhancement of the transverse Kerr magneto-optic effect (TKMOE) in a magnetic thin film due to the onset of surface plasma waves (SMPW) are presented. The magnetic thin film was vacuum deposited onto the base of a half-cylinder glass prism. SPW and SMPW induced at the film-air surface can resonant couple to the optical wave propagating parallel to the glass-film surface. In the presence of resonant coupling, the ordinary metallic reflectivity decreases and the normalized reflectivity difference (measure of the TKMOE) increases. Calculations have been made of the reflectivity and the normalized reflectivity difference as a function of angle of incidence for two iron thin films. In addition calculations have been made of the reflectivity and the normalized reflectivity difference as a function of photon energy and angle of incidence for two nickel films of 160A and 200A thickness. The normalized reflectivity difference and reflectivity have been measured for a thick nickel film and a thin nickel film (160A). An enhancement of the normalized reflectivity difference of 3x has been found. (Auth.)