Patent ID: 6501269
Filing Date: 2002-12-31
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A vector Kerr effect magnetometer, comprising:a magnetic field-imparting module for establishing a magnetic field parallel to a sample surface at a test point on said sample surface; a first optical emitter for causing first polarized light to impinge upon said sample surface at said test point and co-planar with said magnetic field; a first optical detector for detecting said first polarized light as reflected from said sample surface at said test point and co-planar with said magnetic field; a second optical emitter for causing second polarized light to impinge upon said sample surface at said test point and orthogonal to said magnetic field; a second optical detector for detecting said second polarized light as reflected from said sample surface at said test point and orthogonal to said magnetic field; and a processing element in communication with said first and second optical detectors for characterizing a change in polarization in said detected first and second polarized light.