SIMPLE FORMULA FOR THE MAGNETOOPTIC KERR EFFECT IN LARGE PERIOD MAGNETIC MULTILAYERS

An elementary formula is derived from which the complex Kerr rotations can be calculated for a semi-infinite magneto-optic multilayer consisting of two types of magnetic media. The expression takes into consideration the absolute value of the sub-layer thicknesses and also of the order in which the layers appear in the system. The expression is exact for media of equal refractive index and also provides a very good approximation to cases where the indices of the media differ by as much as 20%. Consequently, the formulation presented provides a simple, quick and reliable means of calculating the magneto-optical properties of multilayered media.