Vectorial second-harmonic magneto-optic Kerr effect measurements

A significant modification of an existing experimental technique based on t he second-harmonic magneto-optical Kerr effect (SH-MOKE) is introduced. Wit h a p-polarized pumping optical wave incident upon a magnetic film, the tra nsverse component of magnetization causes a change in the second-harmonic g eneration efficiency of the material and the longitudinal component of the magnetization produces a change in the polarization rotation and/or ellipti city of the second-harmonic signal. This permits simultaneous vectorial mea surement of the in-plane magnetization components. Examples of measured hys teresis loops from 50 nm thick permalloy films and procedures for SH-MOKE s ignal calibration are presented. [S0021-8979(00)17108-7].