Nanosecond microscopic Kerr magneto-optic apparatus and measurement techniques

Abstract

The basic design principle of a Kerr magneto-optic apparatus with nanosecond speed (3 nsec rise time) and microscopic resolution (20 μm diam) and its application to coupled film measurements have been reported before. This paper documents the details of the apparatus construction and organization, and measurement techniques. The apparatus employs only commercially available optical and electronic components. The ultimate speed is limited by the photodetector (subnanosecond risetime) and the minimum spot size by light diffraction (less than 1 μm diam). Thus there is room for futher improvement. © 1968 The American Institute of Physics.