Ferromagnetic resonance measurement using stroboscopic magneto-optical Kerr effect

Abstract

We have developed a novel ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) measurement technique using the magneto-optical Kerr effect. The measurement technique uses microwave-frequency, intensity-modulated light to stroboscopically measure the Kerr angle due to the magnetization precession. We demonstrate that this stroboscopic magneto-optical Kerr effect provides a frequency domain and phase sensitive FMR measurement. The measurement is sensitive enough to detect the precessing magnetization with the precession cone angle below 1°.