Characterization of Magnetic Thin Films using the Magneto Optic Kerr Effect

Student Author Information

Nicholas J. Savino, Lynchburg CollegeFollow

Location

Schewel 232

Access Type

Open Access

Entry Number

121

Start Date

4-4-2018 9:30 AM

Department

Physics

Abstract

Understanding magnetic properties of materials allows for advances in applications such as data storage. The Magneto-Optic Kerr Effect (MOKE) displays the reflective response a magnetic material has to a magnetic field. When polarized light reflects off of a magnetic material, the polarization orientation can change. The application of an external magnetic field can affect how much this polarization changes in a non-linear manner. Hysteresis loops are created when examining the relationship between intensity of the reflected light to the applied magnetic field provide information about magnetic properties of that material, such as the coercive field and field retention. Preliminary measurements using a home-built system will be presented.

Faculty Mentor(s)

Dr. William Roach

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