Magnetization-induced second harmonic generation enhanced by surface plasmons in Au/Co/Au ultrathin films

Abstract : Magnetization-induced second-harmonic generation near the surface plasmon resonance in an ultrathin Au/Co/Au structure has been investigated. The resonant coupling of surface plasmons at the fundamental frequency results in a strong enhancement and sign reversal of the nonlinear magneto-optical effects. Model calculations of the observed phenomena are given on the basis of a nonlocal field theory which permits the different interface contributions to the nonlinear polarization P(2ω) to be distinguished.