The Magneto-Optical Quantum Size Effect in bcc-Fe(001) and (110) Ultrathin Films
ABSTRACTRecently, the oscillation of the magneto-optical effect with respect to the ferromagnetic layer thickness was observed for bcc-Fe(001) ultrathin films. The oscillation periods have been explained by the theory concerning the formation of quantum well states in the ferromagnetic layer. In this paper, a physical picture how the electron confinement produces the quantum size effect of the magneto-optical responses is introduced, and experimental results on the magnetooptical effects of the bcc-Fe films of different orientations are presented. The (001) oriented films show clear oscillation. On the other hand, the (110) oriented films does not show any oscillation. The reason is discussed from the band structure and growth modes.