= Magneto-optic Kerr effect
= MOKE
{c}
{synonym}
The <magneto-optic Kerr effect> is a change in the <polarization of an electromagnetic wave> upon reflection from a magnetized material. The magnetic response can change both <polarization> orientation and ellipticity. It differs from the <Faraday effect>, which is observed in transmission.
A <polarizer>, reflective sample, analyzer and <photodetector> turn a small <polarization> change into an <intensity> signal. Sweeping an applied <magnetic field> while recording the signal can trace changes of <magnetization> and switching. The probed component depends on optical and magnetic geometry, so interpreting the trace requires calibration rather than identifying arbitrary brightness with total <magnetization>. https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=620499[NIST-hosted magnetic-imaging chapter: reflected Kerr versus transmitted Faraday response and geometry dependence]{ref}
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