Magneto-optic Kerr effect in a slab waveguide

A theoretical and numerical investigation of the magneto-optic Kerr effect in a slab optical waveguide bounded on one side by a thin magnetic film is considered. The output power has been determined as a function of the input polarization angle, output analyzer angle, thickness of the intermediate c ladding layer, and the length of the magnetic film. It is found that an opt imal choice of these parameters exists that produces an enhancement in pola rization rotation. Moreover the Kerr effect in a confined geometry shows a richness of properties that can be experimentally checked and opens up new possibilities for the development of magnetic field sensors. (C) 2001 Ameri can Institute of Physics.