54 research outputs found
Linear and nonlinear magneto-optical diffraction from one-dimensional periodic structures
Nonlinear magneto-optical diffraction from periodically structured samples has been studied using magnetization-induced second harmonic generation (MSHG). Several orders of diffraction were clearly observable in MSHG, along with a strong dependence on the magnetization. Sizeable asymmetry between the MSHG signal measured in positive and negative diffraction peaks, especially visible in second order, are explained by Fresnel factors. It was found that first-order diffraction hysteresis loops differ from all others by showing an ''overshoot'' at magnetization reversal, both in MSHG and in the linear magneto-optical Kerr effect. Tentatively this behavior is explained as due to inhomogeneous reversal of the magnetization in the stripes
Symmetry Analysis of Second Harmonic Generation at Surfaces of Antiferromagnets
Using group theory we classify the nonlinear magneto-optical response at
low-index surfaces of fcc antiferromagnets, such as NiO. Structures consisting
of one atomic layer are discussed in detail. We find that optical second
harmonic generation is sensitive to surface antiferromagnetism in many cases.
We discuss the influence of a second type of magnetic atoms, and also of a
possible oxygen sublattice distortion on the output signal. Finally, our
symmetry analysis yields the possibility of antiferromagnetic surface domain
imaging even in the presence of magnetic unit-cell doubling.Comment: 23 pages, 10 figures incorporated. Accepted to Phys. Rev. B,
scheduled for July'9
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