Calculated magneto-optical Kerr spectra of compounds (X = V, Cr, Mn, Fe and Co)

Abstract

The magneto-optical spectra of the compounds (with X = V, Cr, Mn, Fe and Co) are calculated for their ferromagnetic phase in the crystal structure, using density-functional band-structure theory. Large polar Kerr effects are predicted for several of these compounds, with - for a reasonable spectral broadening of 0.4 eV - maximum Kerr rotations of for and , for and , respectively. The Kerr spectra of , and with (001) magnetization are found to be very similar in shape, as are also those of and . The origin of the large Kerr effect in the alloys is shown to be caused by the spin - orbit coupling strength of Pt. A magnetic moment of moderate size on the 3d atom suffices in these materials to already create an appreciable Kerr effect. The influence of the optical transition matrix elements, magnetic moments and spin - orbit coupling strength on each of the constituent atoms are furthermore analysed. The orientation dependence of the polar Kerr spectra of some of the compounds are investigated by calculating in addition the polar Kerr spectra of some compounds for the (111) magnetization axis. The Kerr spectra of the (111) magnetization are found to be practically identical to that of the (001) magnetization.