Magneto-optics of multilayers with arbitrary magnetization directions

Abstract

Equations are derived for determining magneto-optic coefficients in multilayer systems with arbitrary directions of their magnetizations. The equations are cast in a matrix form that is suitable for numerical simulations. This establishes a framework for calculating the Kerr and Faraday effects for a multilayer system in much the same way as has been applied previously to the bulk. Numerical Kerr results are presented for the following systems: bulk Fe, an overlayer of 50 \AA{} of Fe on Au, and for an Fe/Au superlattice for different directions of the magnetization and different angles of incidence.