SIMPLE-MODEL FOR THE MAGNETOOPTICAL KERR DIFFRACTION OF A REGULAR ARRAY OF MAGNETIC DOTS

We present a simple theory of magneto-optical far field Fraunhofer dif fraction by a regular array of magnetic dots. The theory has been deve loped for normal incidence, in the limit of large lattice spacings and negligible edge effects. Analytical expressions were derived, and sev eral predictions made, that should be of interest to experimentalists. For instance: (i) in the diffraction order of polar angle B, the rati o of the complex Kerr rotations for s and p incident polarizations is equal to cos(2)(theta). (ii) the relative area occupied by the magneti c dots can induce a resonance of the Kerr rotation at specular reflect ion.