Diffraction by a relief magneto-optic grating: diagrammatic approach

We describe a straightforward analytical solution for the problem of diffra ction of light by a periodic surface structure engraved on a ferromagnetic material in the transverse Kerr magneto-optical effect (TMOKE) geometry. Th e theoretical approach is based on a double perturbative expansion which al lows an interpretation in terms of multiscattering Feynman-type diagrams. I t has been shown, both analytically and numerically, that the Leontovich ap proximation is valid for most practically interesting situations, which lea ds to amazingly simple final expressions. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. Al l rights reserved.