ENHANCEMENT OF THE POLAR KERR-EFFECT IN BISMUTH-SUBSTITUTED DYGA IRON-GARNET THIN-FILMS

The fundamental optical and magneto-optical (MO) constants of high-qua lity rf magnetron sputtered, thin film Bi1.2Dy1.3Fe4.4Ga1.1O12 have be en determined throughout the optical region of the spectrum (lambda = 300-900 nm). These constants have been used to design trilayer structu res for the enhancement of the polar Kerr effect in the wavelength ran ge lambda = 400-500 nm where the optical absorption of the garnet mate rial changes rapidly and the potential for MO enhancement increases. T rilayer structures have been fabricated and their optical and MO spect ral performance compared with theoretical predictions.