Nonlinear Magnon Scattering Observations Via The Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect

Nonlinear Magnon Scattering is observed in Yttrium Iron Garnet (YIG) thin films. Nonlinearity is excited in the YIG thin films by high power microwave pumping. The magnetization of the films due to the microwave pumping is then observed through the Magneto Optical Kerr Effect (MOKE). The MOKE is of interest as a measurement technique because of its potential to observe magnon scattering in real time. Well-defined thresholds of the linear and nonlinear regimes are examined by ferromagnetic resonance measurements using this setup.