Kerr rotation enhancement is important for improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in magneto-optical recording media. Multilayer designs have been studied as a means of increasing the SNR through interference effects. Here, for the first time, we discuss, with illustrations, the effectiveness of rare-earth hexaboride films as reflector layers to enhance the polar Kerr rotation. The plasma reflection edge of these materials, which is near 800 nm, interacts favorably, producing a larger Kerr rotation around this wavelength.
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