Linear and Circularly Polarized Light to Study Anisotropy and Resonant Scattering in Magnetic Thin Films

Original · EN

The remarkable polarization properties of the synchrotron light have lead to the advent of modern synchrotron-related spectroscopic studies with angular and/or magnetic selectivity. We give here an overview of the prominent aspect of the polarization of the light delivered by a bending magnet, and some dichroic properties in X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS). We report then two studies developed at the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS), exemplifying the profit gained using linear and circular polarization of the X-ray for the study of magnetic thin films and multilayers. Angle-resolved XAS was used in strained manganite thin films to certify a model of local distortion limited within the MnO₆ polyhedron. A pioneer experience of X-ray magnetic scattering at grazing incidence associated with dispersive XAS in a Co/Gd multilayer draws new perspectives for magnetic studies in thin films and multilayers in atmospheric conditions in the hard X-ray range.