Development of a setup for Fourier-space generalized magneto-optical ellipsometry

Abstract

The magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) is a phenomenon where light changes its polarization after interaction with a magnetized surface. This technique is widely exploited in laboratories to characterize different aspects of the magnetic behavior of systems like thin films or magnetic nanostructures. Fourier MOKE is an approach that maps the magneto optical signal to reciprocal space by combining collimated light, high numerical aperture optics and a camera as the imaging device. Based on previous work, this mapping expands the amount of information provided by conventional methods. In the following thesis, the actual experimental implementation of such system is investigated, by revising the FORMIDABLE setup currently present at the Technical University of Vienna. As part of this revision, the optical configuration has been updated, a CMOS camera has been integrated as spatially resolving detector, the hexapole magnet system for applying magnetic fields has been brought into full operation and the control software has been completely rewritten to support new functionalities and ease the process of data acquisition. As a first test for the updated setup, two samples exhibiting in-plane and out-of-plane magnetization have been measured and qualitatively compared to Fourier MOKE simulation results, highlighting agreement with theoretical predictions, while also revealing features that remain unclear and require further investigation.