Cavity enhancement of the magneto-optical Kerr effect of a magnetic cobalt nanowires array

Abstract

In this paper, the optimization and amplification of magneto-optical (MO) response of Silicon (Si)/Cobalt (Co)-nanowires (NWs) in the presence of zinc sulphide (ZnS) and SiO2 thin layers were investigated. The existence of ZnS layer with ideal thickness on the Si/Co structure, leads to an appropriate optical cavity which amplifies the MO Kerr signal (KS). In addition, the capping layer, SiO2, which is useful in manufacturing process, acts as a complementary layer for ZnS layer. The proposed structure Si/Co/ZnS/SiO2 with appropriate thicknesses enhances the KS of Si/Co-nanowire up to 20 times relative to same structure without covering layers.