High-density all-optical magnetic recording using a high-NA lens illuminated by circularly polarized pulse lights

We propose a method for high-density all-optical magnetic recording. Our analyses, based on the vector diffraction theory, show that owing to the inverse Faraday effect, circularly polarized laser pulses focused by a high numerical aperture (NA) lens can induce a small magnetization domain. For an example, the FWHM of the effective magnetization domain is 0.4646λ when NA=0.85. The magnetization direction is basically perpendicular to the surface of the optic-magneto film within the effective magnetization domain and the switching direction of magnetization can be controlled by the helicity of the incident circularly polarized light. These characteristics are useful to next-generation high-density all-optical magnetic storage.     

Entanglement of the l- and the r-photons in an anisotropic crystal

Light incident onto an anisotropic crystal is divided into the ordinary and the extraordinary waves which vibrate in two perpendicular directions. Because of the tensor property of the dielectric constant, the direction of the electric displacement is not parallel to the vector of the incident electric field. An optical torque is induced by incidence of the linearly polarized light and propagating through the crystal. The optical torque tends to rotate the directions of eigenvibration which results in self-modulation of the ordinary and the extraordinary waves, and causes an energy splitting of the left (l)-, and the right (r)-handed circularly polarized waves in the crystal. The l- and the r-photons are correlated through the optical torque, which are found to be in an entanglement state.     

Correlation of the left- and the right-handed circularly polarized waves in an anisotropic crystal

An optical torque is induced by incidence of the linearly polarized light and propagating through an anisotropic crystal, which results in self-modulation of the ordinary and the extraordinary waves and causes an energy splitting of the resultant left-, and the right-handed elliptically polarized waves. The optical torque originates from the angular momentum of light, which causes the correlation of the left- and the right-handed circularly polarized waves in the crystal.     

Magneto-optic Fluorescence Behavior of Anthracene and Its Derivatives in a Diluted Magnetic Fluid Solution.

Variations in the fluorescence in the intensities of anthracene derivatives under a magnetic field were investigated in the presence of a dilute magnetic fluid. When excitation was carried out with light that was polarized parallel to the magnetic field, the intensity of the fluorescence that was polarized paralell to the magnetic field decreased by about 10%. Although the fluorescence intensities of most of the anthracene derivatives showed a similar decrease in magnitude, that of 9,10-dimethylanthracene showed a large decrease. On the other hand, fluorescence increased when excitation and fluorescence were perpendicular to the magnetic field. The obtained phenomena can be explaned by the formation of anisotropic assembly of magnetic fluid particles in the solution.     

Mach–Zehnder interferometer by utilizing phase modulation of transmitted light through magnetic fluid films possessing tunable refractive index

Due to its diverse applications in photonics, bio-sensors, mechanics, etc., Mach–Zehnder interferometer becomes one of important devices. Hence, lots of efforts have been paid to develop advanced Mach–Zehnder interferometers. In this work, we explore new-model Mach–Zehnder interferometer, in which one of arm is consisted of magnetic fluid films. By utilizing the tunable refractive index of magnetic fluid films under external magnetic fields, the traveling phase of a propagating light through the magnetic fluid film is changed. This could lead to a variation in the interfered intensity of the Mach–Zehnder interferometer when an external magnetic field is applied. The modulation in the interfered intensity by the external magnetic field is demonstrated experimentally, and the relevant physical origin is also discussed.     

Structural geometry of grain boundaries in icosahedral quasicrystals

The mechanically induced gyrotropy is studied in crystal plates of hexagonal CdS near the frequency of isotropic point (in which the refractive indices of the ordinary and extraordinary waves are equal). The transmittance of light by torsion deformed crystal (when the torsional moment is orientated along the opticalc-axis) between two crossed polarizers is measured as well as the polarization parameters of elliptically polarized emergent light. In the discussion the hypothesis that the mechanical deformation induces gyrotropy is argued. The experimental results are interpretated in the frameworks of the theory of the elliptical birefringence.     

Magneto-optic effects in ferromagnetic films: Implications for spin devices

We present results on the magneto-optic properties of ferromagnetic films deposited on GaAs and SiO₂ substrates. Using left- and right-circularly polarized light, we have measured the polarization-dependent photoresponse and reflectivity of Co/GaAs, Fe/GaAs and NiFe/GaAs Schottky diodes and the polarization-dependent reflection and transmission of NiFe/SiO₂ and Co/SiO₂ structures as a function of ferromagnetic film thickness, reported here in the range of 7.5-15 nm. Films were prepared by sputtering and molecular-beam epitaxy. Measurements were made in the presence of magnetic fields ranging from −1.2 to +1.2 T both parallel and perpendicular to the sample surface. We find maximum polarization-dependent transmission and photoresponse effects (with respect to left- versus right-circularly polarized light) of 2-4% in magnitude. Taken together the work suggests that magneto-optic effects intrinsic to the films, rather than spin injection across the ferromagnetic/semiconductor interface, are responsible for the observed phenomenology. The work has direct implications for the interpretation of results in ferromagnetic/semiconductor spintronic systems.     

Magneto-optic Faraday effect in maghemite nanoparticles/silica matrix nanocomposites prepared by the Sol–Gel method

Bulk monolithic samples of γ-Fe₂O₃/SiO₂ composites with different iron oxide/silica ratios have been prepared by the sol–gel technique. Iron oxide nanoparticles are obtained in-situ during heat treatment of samples and silica matrix consolidation. Preparation method was previously optimized to minimize the percentage of antiferromagnetic α-Fe₂O₃ and parallelepipeds of roughly 2×5×12 mm³, with good mechanical stability, are obtained. RT magnetization curves show a non-hysteretic behavior. Thus, magnetization measurements have been well fitted to an expression that combines the Langevin equation with an additional linear term, indicating that some of the nanoparticles are still superparamagnetic as confirmed by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy measurements. Zero field cooled /field cooled experiments show curves with slightly different shapes, depending on the size and shape distribution of nanoparticles for a given composition. Magneto-optical Faraday effect measurements show that the Faraday rotation is proportional to magnetization of the samples, as expected. As a demonstration of their sensing possibilities, the relative intensity of polarized light, measured at 5° from the extinction angle, was plotted versus applied magnetic field.     

Magneto-optic polar Kerr and Faraday effects in magnetic superlattices

Magneto-optic (MO) effects in magnetic multilayers with periodic regions are discussed assuming normal incidence of polarized waves and polar magnetization (Faraday and polar Kerr effects). From the (4 × 4)-matrix formalism simplified analytical expressions linear in the off-diagonal permittivity tensor element are obtained with no loss in accuracy. The MO effects are expressed as weighted sums of contributions from individual layers. Approximate expressions are given for the case when the thickness of magnetic layers is much smaller than the radiation wavelength. The procedure is illustrated on superlattices consisting of symmetric sandwiches of ultrathin magnetic and non-magnetic metallic layers. Partial support from the Grant Agency of Czech Republic # 202/00/0761 is acknowledged.     

基于几何遮蔽效应和法拉第旋光效应耦合的磁流体偏振光透过率

根据几何遮蔽效应和法拉第旋光效应耦合原理给出的解析表达式,通过数值模拟计算,研究了磁流体的纵场诱导偏振光透过率及磁流体的浓度、液态介电常量、磁性颗粒磁偶极矩热能比和单位磁性颗粒团聚体所含磁性颗粒数量四个参量的变化对其偏振光透过率的影响.结果表明,磁流体的浓度、液态介电常量和磁性颗粒磁偶极矩热能比对其偏振光透过率有显著影响,低浓度样品的偏振光透过率随着纵向磁场强度的增大而线性增加,而高浓度样品则随着纵向磁场强度的增大呈现振荡变化的特性.在一定范围内,磁流体偏振光透过率随其液态介电常量εliquid和磁性颗粒磁偶极矩热能比μd/(kT)的变大而增加.而单位磁性颗粒团聚体所含磁性颗粒数量对其偏振光透过率没有影响,磁流体参量依赖的偏振光透过率在低磁场区域和高磁场区域有明显区别.提出了磁流体纵场诱导偏振光透过率在几类光子器件中的可能应用.     

基于几何遮蔽效应和法拉第旋光效应耦合的磁流体偏振光透过率

根据几何遮蔽效应和法拉第旋光效应耦合原理给出的解析表达式,通过数值模拟计算,研究了磁流体的纵场诱导偏振光透过率及磁流体的浓度、液态介电常量、磁性颗粒磁偶极矩热能比和单位磁性颗粒团聚体所含磁性颗粒数量四个参量的变化对其偏振光透过率的影响.结果表明,磁流体的浓度、液态介电常量和磁性颗粒磁偶极矩热能比对其偏振光透过率有显著影响,低浓度样品的偏振光透过率随着纵向磁场强度的增大而线性增加,而高浓度样品则随着纵向磁场强度的增大呈现振荡变化的特性.在一定范围内,磁流体偏振光透过率随其液态介电常量ε_liquid和磁性颗粒磁偶极矩热能比μ_d/(kT)的变大而增加.而单位磁性颗粒团聚体所含磁性颗粒数量对其偏振光透过率没有影响,磁流体参量依赖的偏振光透过率在低磁场区域和高磁场区域有明显区别.提出了磁流体纵场诱导偏振光透过率在几类光子器件中的可能应用.     

Theory of photoinduced deformation of molecular films

Azobenzene-containing polymers exhibit strong surface-relief features when irradiated with polarized light. Currently proposed theories do not explain all the observed features. Here we propose a theory based on elastic deformation of the polymer due to interaction between dipoles ordered through polarized light irradiation. The effects are due to the presence of a boundary layer. The observation of both wells and humps dependent on the architecture of the polymer can be explained with the present theory. Received: 29 June 2001 / Revised version: 9 November 2001 / Published online: 17 January 2002     

Orientation of Cs 6p 2P3/2 atomic photofragments in a magnetic field: interference in the photodissociation of diatomic molecules

In a magnetic field, Cs₂ molecules were excited from the ground X¹Σ⁺_g(v_X=0,J_X=55) level to the D ¹Σ⁺_u(v=46,J=54) level by dissociation laser light linearly polarized parallel to the field, for which the magnetic sublevels were degenerated and thus all the transitions between them were simultaneously stimulated. Probe laser light excited the dissociated Cs 6p²P_3/2 atomic fragments to 6p²D_3/2 level and the resultant 6p²P_1/2 - 6d²D_3/2 emission was detected as the function of the wavelength of the probe light. The populations of the 6p²P_3/2,mj magnetic sublevels were determined from the relative strengths of the 6p²P_3/2,mj - 6d²D_3/2,m'j transitions induced by the probe light. Non-zero orientation O₀ was found in the ensemble of dissociated Cs 6p²P_3/2 atomic fragments. The orientation O₀ increased as the magnetic field strength increased. It was demonstrated both experimentally and theoretically that the orientation O₀ was induced through the interference in the excitation and dissociation paths in the presence of an external magnetic field, even when all degenerated transitions between the magnetic sublevels of the molecules are simultaneously excited by the light linearly polarized parallel to the field.     

The electric field modulation by three-dimensional crack on fused silica subsurface

The main factor of laser-induced damage is the modulation to electromagnetic field of laser by the crack on the subsurface. In this paper, a three-dimensional crack model on the exit surface is presented. Three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is employed to simulate the electric field intensity distribution in the vicinity of crack on fused silica subsurface. The roles of the crack width, depth, length and the gradient angle in the modulation to the incident light field are analyzed in detail. Results show that the crack size plays an important role in the electric modulation. With the increasing depth and width, the peak value of maximal electric field intensity appears in fused silica. However, the maximal electric field intensity tends to be a constant when the crack length reaches 1 μm. Besides, the enhancement of light intensity becomes obvious when total internal reflection occurs in fused silica. Our calculated results provide an advisable theoretical criterion to the corresponding experiment.     

Nonlinear refraction in photo-induced anisotropic states of azo-dye containing materials

The optical anisotropic states in the azo-dye Disperse Red 13 doped poly(methyl methacrylate) polymeric film are induced by polarized light and the nonlinear refractive index in these states are studied by the Z-scan technique. It is found that the n₂ of the sample can be controlled by changing both the polarization direction and the intensity of the 514 nm light. Photo-induced isomerization and reorientation of azo chromophores in polymer matrices are used to explain the results.     

Optics of circularly polarized light waves in one-dimensional magneto-photonic crystals: Theory

A theory is presented for propagation of electromagnetic waves through one-dimensional magnetic Bragg structures (magneto-photonic crystals). Within the self-consistent Green-function technique the transfer matrices and magneto-optical characteristics are derived in terms of circularly polarized waves propagating in periodical arrays of alternating magnetic and dielectric layers. For finite-thickness magneto-photonic crystals, the Faraday rotation and other magneto-optical responses are demonstrated to change considerably in the spectral range of stop-bands, the magnetic modulation of the in-plane reflection intensity being essentially enhanced.     

Magnetic field-induced cluster formation and variation of magneto-optical signals in zinc-substituted ferrofluids

Fine magnetic particles (size≅100 Å) belonging to the series Zn_xFe_1−xFe₂O₄ were synthesized by cold co-precipitation methods and their structural properties were evaluated using X-ray diffraction. Magnetization studies have been carried out using vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) showing near-zero loss loop characteristics. Ferrofluids were then prepared employing these fine magnetic powders using oleic acid as surfactant and kerosene as carrier liquid by modifying the usually reported synthesis technique in order to induce anisotropy and enhance the magneto-optical signals. Liquid thin films of these fluids were prepared and field-induced laser transmission through these films was studied. The transmitted light intensity decreases at the centre with applied magnetic field in a linear fashion when subjected to low magnetic fields and saturate at higher fields. This is in accordance with the saturation in cluster formation. The pattern exhibited by these films in the presence of different magnetic fields was observed with the help of a CCD camera and was recorded photographically.     

Longitudinal field-induced polarized light transmittance of magnetic fluids

The complete optical transmittance for a polarized light passing through the magnetic fluids is investigated theoretically and experimentally, when the externally magnetic field is applied along the propagation direction of the incident light. Hybrid effects due to the geometric shadowing and Faraday rotation are considered simultaneously. The Langevin-like functions are employed to describe the magnetic-field-dependent volume concentration of the particle-aggregation (φ′) and the approximate number of magnetic nanoparticles in the particle-aggregation (βN₀). Based on the experiments on the geometric shadowing effect of our magnetic fluid sample, the analytical expression for the total transmitted power with externally magnetic field after an analyzer is derived. Theoretical simulations disclose the influence of certain critical parameters of the magnetic fluids on the field-dependent optical transmittance. For the entire polarized light transmittance, qualitative agreement between the calculations and the experiments is achieved. Applications of magnetic fluids to several polarized devices operating in longitudinal field arrangement are proposed and discussed. The results presented in this work may be useful for designing the corresponding magnetic-fluid-based optical devices.     

利用原子的塞曼光谱对半导体激光器进行稳频

中性原子的超精细能级在磁场中产生塞曼分裂 ,另外 ,左旋和右旋圆偏振光激发下原子的跃迁选择定则不同 ,因此 ,原子在超精细塞曼能级间的吸收谱峰相对无磁场条件下的吸收谱峰有一定的移动。利用这一点 ,验证了一种简单、灵活的方法对半导体激光器进行稳频 ,使激光器的线宽稳到小于 1MHz。通过对实验结果的分析 ,发现由左旋和右旋圆偏振光激发引起的原子吸收谱峰移动之和与饱和吸收峰半高宽相等时 ,稳频效果最好     

Magneto-optical activity of Ag at the plasma frequency

Kerr activity is observed in pure Ag films in the vicinity of the plasma resonance (3.85 eV) when subjected to a strong external magnetic field. This inherent magneto-optical behaviour of Ag in a narrow wavelength range (0.12 eV) around the plasma resonance is explained utilizing the classical Lorentz-Drude model for the off-diagonal elements of the dielectric function. This activity is a consequence of a combined effect of the weakly damped free electron system and the sharp onset ofd-band transitions. The possibility of enhancing the Kerr activity of amorphous TbFeCo alloys by Ag overlayers is also investigated.