Generalized scattering-matrix approach for magneto-optics in periodically patterned multilayer systems

We present here a generalization of the scattering-matrix approach for the description of the propagation of electromagnetic waves in nanostructured magneto-optical systems. Our formalism allows us to describe all the key magneto-optical effects in any configuration in periodically patterned multilayer structures. The method can also be applied to describe periodic multilayer systems comprising materials with any type of optical anisotropy. We illustrate the method with the analysis of a recent experiment in which the transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect was measured in an Fe film with a periodic array of subwavelength circular holes. We show, in agreement with the experiments, that the excitation of surface plasmon polaritons in this system leads to a resonant enhancement of the transverse magneto-optical Kerr effectG. Armelles also provided the experimental values of the dielectric constants, and E. Ferreiro-Vila performed the Polar Kerr experiments for the Fe film. B.C. and A.G.-M. acknowledge funding from the EU (NMP3-SL- 2008-214107-Nanomagma), the Spanish MICINN (“MAPS” MAT2011-29194-C02-01, “MAGPLAS” MAT2008-06765- C02-01/NAN, and “FUNCOAT” CONSOLIDER INGENIO 2010 CSD2008-00023), and the Comunidad de Madrid (“MICROSERES-CM” S2009/TIC-1476). J.C.C. acknowledges financial support from the Spanish MICINN (Contract No. FIS2011-28851-C02-01) and from the German foundations Carl Zeiss Stiftung and Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft via the award of an “InnoLecture-Gastdozentur