Time-Resolved Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect for the Study of Ultrafast Magnetization Dynamics in Magnetic Thin Films

Abstract

As traditional complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS) struggle to extend previous industrial trends, new technologies must be researched and delivered. One of the most important aspects that must be considered is the transport of heat within the material. By advancing the design of materials and interfaces, heat transfer within electronic devices can be improved. At the same time, novel technologies that rely on the magnetism of thin films also need to have their transient magnetic behavior optimized. By measuring the magnetic response of the materials, engineers can select the best-matched materials to design and fabricate devices with lower power consumption and higher processing speed, and thus improved performance. Such material transport studies require new methods and metrology development that can provide highly sensitive and accurate characterization of the materials. The time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect (TR-MOKE) technique is capable of probing both thermophysical and magnetic properties of a variety of materials, and it offers superb spatial (micrometer) and temporal (sub-picosecond) resolutions. In this thesis, information about this technique will be discussed including thorough examples of its applications in the study of magnetization dynamics.