Influence of the shape on the magneto-optic properties of nanosized islands

We have investigated the magneto-optic properties of triangular and ellipsoidally-shaped islands. Preparation of the islands is done by soft nanosphere lithography and subsequent annealing. The change of the magneto-optic properties as a result of composition and shape of the islands is discussed. The spectral magneto-optic response of flat triangular island is found to be similar to bulk despite the nanometric size, only differing in magnitude. Ellipsoidally shaped island of the same lateral spacing, however, exhibit a change of sign in combination with an enhancement of the magneto-optic signal. Scattering effects are believed to be the origin for this behavior.