Observation of magneto-optical second-harmonic generation with surface plasmon excitation in ultrathin Au/Co/Au films

Abstract : Magnetization-induced second-harmonic generation with surface plasmon excitation in an ultrathin Au/Co/Au multilayer structure has been investigated. The resonant coupling of surface plasmons with the fundamental light results in drastic changes of the second-harmonic intensity and a sign reversal of nonlinear magneto-optical effects. Model analysis of the observed phenomena is given on the basis of the multiple interference of interface nonlinear contributions calculated using the Green’s functions formalism.