Theory of the anisotropic magneto-optical Kerr effect in (11 [formula omitted]0) and (0001) hcp Co and in (110) and (100) fcc Co

Abstract

The magneto-optical polar Kerr effect in hcp and fcc Co is studied theoretically for two magnetization orientations, the (11 2 0) and (0001) orientation for hcp Co, and the (110) and (100) orientation for fcc Co. The theoretical Kerr spectra of (110) and (100) fcc Co display a negligibly small magnetocrystalline anisotropy. The Kerr spectra of the (11 2 0) and (0001) orientation of hcp Co show a distinct anisotropy, which is in agreement with recent measurements. It is concluded that band structure theory, using density-functional theory in the local-density approximation (LDA) can qualitatively describe the magnetocrystalline anisotropy in the Kerr spectra of Co.