Magneto-optic Faraday effect in (La1−xCax)MnO3 films

Abstract
Thin films of (La1−xCax)MnO3 prepared by laser ablation deposition are ferromagnetic when 0.2≤x≤0.5 with Tc≊250 K. These films show strong Faraday rotation both in the vicinity of the 2p(O)→3d(Mn) charge-transfer absorption at approximately 3.0 eV (θF≳40 000°/cm), and in the vicinity of the 3d(t2g)→3d(eg) excitation at approximately 1.5 eV (θF≳10 000°/cm just below Tc). The films are moderately transparent, having values of 2θF/α of approximately 0.1 at 1.5 eV and 0.5 at 3.0 eV.