Relationship between magnetic asymmetry and magnetization in ultrafast transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect spectroscopy in the extreme ultraviolet spectral range
J. Richter, Somnath Jana, M. Hennecke, Daniel Schick, Clemens von Korff Schmising, Stefan Eisebitt
Abstract
Ultrafast transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect (T-MOKE) spectroscopy in the extreme ultraviolet provides element-specific insights into magnetization dynamics. However, the relationship between T-MOKE magnetic asymmetry and sample magnetization can be complex, even in the absence of nonequilibrium magnetization dynamics. Here, the authors present static and time-resolved data, together with wave propagation simulations, for a prototypical magnetic heterostructure that shows significant deviations from linearity, including increasing asymmetry despite decreasing magnetization. They also propose sample structures and experimental geometries in which a linear T-MOKE response remains valid.