Dynamic, in situ, magneto-optical studies of non-reciprocal polarisation of Pt, AtCo-Pt and Pt-Co interfaces

In situ measurements of the magneto-optical polar Kerr effect have been mad e continuously during the deposition of a series of Co and Pt layers. The r esults indicate an exponentially decaying induced magnetic behaviour in the platinum. However. it is clear that there is asymmetry between the measure ments at Co-Pt and Pt-Co interfaces. Data are simulated by electrodynamic t heory using bulk optical constants and magneto-optical constants for Co and pt extracted from experimental data for a single period. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. AII rights reserved.