Linear and circularly polarized light to study anisotropy and resonant scattering in magnetic thin films

Abstract

The remarkable polarization properties of synchrotron light have lead to the advent of modern synchrotron-related spectroscopic studies with angular and/or magnetic selectivity. Here an overview is given of the prominent aspects of the polarization of the light delivered by a bending magnet, and some dichroic properties in X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Two studies developed at the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory are then reported, exemplifying the profit gained using linear and circular polarization of X-rays for the study of magnetic thin films and multilayers. Angle-resolved XAS was used in strained manganite thin films to certify a model of local distortion limited within the MnO6 polyhedron. A pioneering experience of X-ray magnetic scattering at grazing incidence associated with dispersive XAS in a Co/Gd multilayer draws new perspectives for magnetic studies in thin films and multilayers under atmospheric conditions in the hard X-ray range. © 2005 International Union of Crystallography Printed in Great Britain - all rights reserved.