Magneto-optical Kerr Effect: Fundamentals and Applications

This lecture covers the fundamentals of the Magneto-optical Kerr Effect (MOKE), including its microscopic origin, examples of different MOKE configurations, and the use of MOKE in ultrafast magnetization processes. The instructor explains the interaction between light and magnetism, the origin of MO effects, and the classification of MO effects. Additionally, the lecture delves into the use of MOKE in studying magnetic optical spectroscopy and imaging techniques, such as Magnetic Circular Dichroism (MCD) and Voigt effect. Various examples and applications of MOKE are discussed, highlighting its advantages and disadvantages in terms of spatial and depth resolution, time resolution, and information obtained about the electronic structure and magnetic moments of materials.