We present here a generalization of the scattering-matrix approach for the
description of the propagation of electromagnetic waves in nanostructured
magneto-optical systems. Our formalism allows us to describe all the key
magneto-optical effects in any configuration in periodically patterned
multilayer structures. The method can also be applied to describe periodic
multilayer systems comprising materials with any type of optical anisotropy. We
illustrate the method with the analysis of a recent experiment in which the
transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect was measured in a Fe film with a
periodic array of subwavelength circular holes. We show, in agreement with the
experiments, that the excitation of surface plasmon polaritons in this system
leads to a resonant enhancement of the transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect.Comment: 12 pages, 6 figures, submitted to Physical Review
