Polar magneto-optical Kerr effect for low-symmetric ferromagnets

TL;DR

This paper presents a theoretical study of the polar magneto-optical Kerr effect in low-symmetry ferromagnetic crystals, incorporating first-principle calculations and realistic domain models, aligning well with experimental observations.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive theoretical framework for MOKE in low-symmetry ferromagnets, considering crystallographic birefringence and magnetic effects, validated by experimental data.

Findings

MOKE in low-symmetry ferromagnets depends on birefringence and magnetic interactions.

Theoretical results agree with experimental measurements for Co and CrO2.

Realistic domain orientation models improve the accuracy of MOKE predictions.

Abstract

The polar magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) for low-symmetric ferromagnetic crystals is investigated theoretically based on first-principle calculations of optical conductivities and a transfer matrix approach for the electrodynamics part of the problem. Exact average magneto-optical properties of polycrystals are described, taking into account realistic models for the distribution of domain orientations. It is shown that for low-symmetric ferromagnetic single crystals the MOKE is determined by an interplay of crystallographic birefringence and magnetic effects. Calculations for single and bi-crystal of hcp 11-20 Co and for a polycrystal of CrO_2 are performed, with results being in good agreement with experimental data.