Analysis of the magneto-optical properties of inhomogeneously magnetized systems

A theory is developed for calculating the normal incidence polar Kerr effec t in multilayered systems that are optically isotropic but magnetically inh omogeneous in a direction parallel to the direction of propagation of the p robing radiation. Specific examples are presented for well known limiting c ases and situations that may be commonly found in multilayered systems that are associated with magneto-optic recording media. A particular practical example is given for the Co-Pd multilayer system where the consequences of inhomogeneously polarized Pd layers can be seen directly from in situ exper imental data and interpreted using the theoretical analysis. Finally, an an alysis is given for the optimization of layer thicknesses for the Co-Pd sys tem that leads to structures that have the optimum intrinsic magneto-optic parameter that will ensure the best performance in magneto-optic readout sy stems.