Annealing effect of magneto-optical kerr rotation for PtMnS compound

The polar magneto-optical Kerr rotation angle (θ_K) was obtained in the 400 nm-1000 nm wavelength range for bulk PtMnSb, one of the Cl_b-type Heusler compounds. The θ_Kspectrum in the as-polished state was almost the same at that reported by van Engen et al. After annealing at higher temperatures than 400°C, however, the values of θ_Kwere strongly enhanced, although the change in the spectrum of reflectance was verysmall. From the surface analysis using Rutherford back scattering and Auger electron spectroscopy, it is considered that the enhancement is not attributed to the formation of the oxydized overlayer.