Nonlinear Magneto-Optics of freestanding Fe monolayers from first principles

Abstract

The nonlinear magneto-optical Kerr-effect (NOLIMOKE) is determined for freestanding Fe monolayers with several in-plane structures from first principles. Based on the theory of nonlinear magneto-optics by Hübner and Bennemann [Phys. Rev. B, {\bf 40}, 5973 (1989)] we calculate the nonlinear susceptibilities of the monolayers using the ab initio FLAPW-method WIEN95 with the additional implementation of spin-orbit coupling and the calculation of the dipole transition matrix elements appropriate for freestanding monolayers. We present results for the spectral dependence of the nonlinear susceptibility tensor elements and the resulting intensities and Kerr angles. Special emphasize is put on the effects of structural changes such as the variation of the lattice constant and different surface orientations. The influence of spin-orbit coupling on the tensor elements for different magnetization directions is presented as well as the azimuthal dependence of the intensities generated by several low index surfaces, showing the pronounced sensitivity of second harmonic generation to lateral structural changes as well as magnetic properties even in the monolayer range.