Proposed investigation of spin dynamics using time-resolved scanning Kerr microscopy

Investigation of spin dynamics in thin ferromagnetic structures is currently an area of great interest due in part to applications in magnetic storage devices. The study of spin dynamics in such small samples requires techniques that combine high spatial and temporal resolution. Time-resolved scanning Kerr microscopy is one such technique that employs the magneto-optical Kerr effect to investigate spin dynamics in response to excitations in a sample. The setup and optimization of a time-resolved scanning Kerr microscope will be discussed along with plans for future studies including the investigation of spin dynamics in anti-vortex systems.