Magneto-optical properties of transition metal systems in the visible and X-ray regime

The basis of theoretical investigations of the magneto-optical properties of transition metals is outlined. It is shown that an appropriate description of the electronic structure has to account for both the spin-orbit coupling and the magnetic state of the system. Results of corresponding calculations on the magneto-optical Kerr effect in the visible regime of light, as well as of the magnetic dichroism in X-ray absorption are presented, and spectra are found to be in very satisfying agreement with experimental data.