90 degrees magneto-optical polar Kerr effect in layered magnetic semiconductor metal structures

Using analytical and numerical methods, we show that the polar Kerr rotatio n theta(K) of 90 degrees may be attained in a large class of (magnetic-semi conductor)/metal layered structures just below the absorption edge. The cor responding reflectivity varies over wide limits. For example, in a EuS/Ag m ultilayer with a small period it is of several percent, while in a thick la yer of EuS deposited on Ag it achieves 95%. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S0003-6951(99)03911-X].