Annealing Effect of Magneto-Optical Kerr Rotation for PtMnSb Compound

Abstract

The polar magneto-optical Kerr rotation angle ( θ K ) was obtained in the 400 nm–1000 nm wavelength range for bulk PtMnSb, one of the Cl b -type Heusler compounds. The θ K spectrum in the as-polished state was almost the same at that reported by van Engen et al. After annealing at higher temperatures than 400°C, however, the values of θ K were strongly enhanced, although the change in the spectrum of reflectance was very small. From the surface analysis using Rutherford back scattering and Auger electron spectroscopy, it is considered that the enhancement is not attributed to the formation of the oxydized overlayer.