Ab initio study of interface alloying effect on magneto-optical spectra inCo/Pt multilayers

The complex polar Kerr angle spectra of sputtered FCC (1 1 1) Co;Pt multila yers (MLS) were measured over the photon energy range 0.8-5.5 eV and calcul ated from first principles using self-consistent spin-polarized relativisti c LMTO method for various model MLS. The results of the calculations reveal that the magneto-optical (MO) spectra of Co/Pt MLS can be adequately descr ibed only assuming limited interdiffusion at the MLS interface. As compared to the spectra of the structures with sharp interfaces, the huge enhanceme nt of the MO spectra amplitude in the UV range occurs, leading to a good ag reement with the experiment. The origin of the enhancement is discussed. (C ) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.