Ultrafast Path for Optical Magnetization Reversal via a Strongly Nonequilibrium State
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- 8 September 2009
- journal article
- research article
- Published by American Physical Society (APS) in Physical Review Letters
- Vol. 103 (11), 117201
- https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.103.117201
Abstract
Using time-resolved single-shot pump-probe microscopy we unveil the mechanism and the time scale of all-optical magnetization reversal by a single circularly polarized 100 fs laser pulse. We demonstrate that the reversal has a linear character, i.e., does not involve precession but occurs via a strongly nonequilibrium state. Calculations show that the reversal time which can be achieved via this mechanism is within 10 ps for a 30 nm domain. Using two single subpicosecond laser pulses we demonstrate that for a domain the magnetic information can be recorded and readout within 30 ps, which is the fastest “write-read” event demonstrated for magnetic recording so far.
Keywords
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