Measurement of DC Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect with Sensitivity of $10^{-7} \text{Rad}/\sqrt{\text{Hz}}$

Abstract

A high-sensitive DC Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect (MOKE) apparatus is described in this letter. Via detailed analysis on several dominating noise sources, we have proposed solutions that significantly lower the MOKE noise, and a sensitivity of $1.5\times10^{-7} \text{rad}/\sqrt{\text{Hz}}$ is achieved with long-term stability. The sensitivity of the apparatus is tested by measuring a wedge-shaped Ni thin film on $\text{SiO}_2$ with Ni thickness varying from 0 to 3 nm. A noise floor of $1.5\times10^{-8}$ rad is demonstrated. The possibility of further improving sensitivity to $10^{-9}$ rad via applying ac modulation is also discussed.