Nonlinear magneto-optical Kerr effects

The polarization state of a second-harmonic wave after reflection from a semi-infinite, optically isotropic magnetic medium is considered for the three characteristic uniformmagnetization directions corresponding to the linear magneto-optical Kerr effects. Expressions for the complex amplitudes of the wave field which specify the nonlinear Kerr effects, viz., the polar, meridional, and equatorial effects, are obtained in a first approximation with respect to the magnetization. The dependences of these effects on the angle of incidence of the inducing wave obtained as a result of a numerical experiment are presented. Analytical formulas are found for them at small angles of incidence. A comparative analysis of the linear and nonlinear Kerr effects is made. Zh. éksp. Teor. Fiz. 116, 141–156 (July 1999)