• Journal of the Korean Magnetics Society
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.141-146
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• 2011

We will introduce the surface magneto-optic Kerr effect (SMOKE), which is one of the most helpful experimental methods in the area of surface magnetism for the last two decades. The basic magnetic characteristics of magnetic thin film is the most essential part for the further understanding and application. For example, the possibility of the realization of ferromagnetism for a single layer of iron, its Curie temperature far below that of bulk iron, and the direction of easy axis are the fundamental questions for the spintronic application. SMOKE is an efficient method to answer for the questions above.

• Journal of the Korean Magnetics Society
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.89-94
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• 2004

We have investigated magnetic properties of monolayer (ML)-thickness Co film deposited on InP(2${\times}$4) reconstruction surface using in situ Surface Magneto-Optical Kerr Effects (SMOKE) measurement system. InP(2${\times}$4) reconstruction surface, obtained by repeated sputtering and annealing, was confirmed by reflection hish energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and scanning tunneling microscope (STM) measurements. From both longitudinal and polar SMOKE measurements, we have observed three distinguishable regions showing different magnetic properties depending on the Co thickness. In the Co film thickness smaller than 7 $m\ell$, no SMOKE signal was detected. In the following thickness between 8 $m\ell$ and 15 $m\ell$, both longitudinal and polar Kerr hysteresis loops were observed, which implies a metastable phase coexisted of in-plane and perpendicular anisotropies. In the film thickness larger than 16 $m\ell$, only longitudinal MOKE signal without polar signal was detected, which implies existence of in-plane anisotropy in this thickness region.