Theory of nonlinear surface magneto-optics for ferromagnetic nickel: Effects of band structure and matrix elements

Journal Article · Sat Dec 15 00:00:00 EST 1990 · Physical Review, B: Condensed Matter; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.42.11553· OSTI ID:5831300

Huebner, W ^[1]

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1. Institute for Theoretical Physics, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin (Germany)

The nonlinear magneto-optical Kerr effect has been proposed as an ultrafast spectroscopic probe for the magnetic and electronic properties of ferromagnetic surfaces. We extend our previous calculation of the linear (first-order) and nonlinear (second-order) magneto-optical susceptibilities by the inclusion of the complete nickel band structure and the dipole transition matrix elements within the combined interpolation scheme. As {ital ab} {ital initio} band-structure calculations usually cannot describe optical and magneto-optical absorption (especially in nickel), the band-structure parameters are taken from a fit to spin-polarized photoemission data and de Haas--van Alphen measurements of the Fermi surface. The detailed shape of the Brillouin zone is included. Comparison to linear magneto-optical Kerr-effect measurements shows that the inclusion of the full anisotropic band structure and of the dipole matrix elements is necessary to remove parameter ambiguities and leads to strongly improved agreement between theory and experiment. This electronic theory confirms the previous assertion that the nonlinear magneto-optical Kerr effect should be observable and clearly shows that this effect contains detailed information about the electronic and magnetic surface properties (band structure, exchange interaction, spin-orbit coupling). Thus, the theory can help to interpret forthcoming nonlinear magneto-optical measurements. We discuss possible geometries for experimental and technological applications.

• OSTI ID: 5831300
• Journal Information: Physical Review, B: Condensed Matter; (USA), Vol. 42:18; ISSN 0163-1829
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
NICKEL
MAGNETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY
ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE
FERROMAGNETIC MATERIALS
KERR EFFECT
MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
NONLINEAR OPTICS
DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELEMENTS
MAGNETIC MATERIALS
MATERIALS
METALS
OPTICS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
656002* - Condensed Matter Physics- General Techniques in Condensed Matter- (1987-)