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Nanoscale sub-100 picosecond all-optical magnetization switching in GdFeCo microstructures

Author

Listed:
  • L. Le Guyader

    (Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut
    Institute for Methods and Instrumentation for Synchrotron Radiation Research (G-ISRR), Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH)

  • M. Savoini

    (Radboud University Nijmegen, Institute for Molecules and Materials
    Present address: Physics Department, Institute for Quantum Electronics, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland)

  • S. El Moussaoui

    (Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut
    Present address: College of Science and Technology, Nihon University, 24-1 Narashinodai 7-chome, Funabashi-shi, Chiba 274-8501, Japan)

  • M. Buzzi

    (Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut)

  • A. Tsukamoto

    (College of Science and Technology, Nihon University)

  • A. Itoh

    (College of Science and Technology, Nihon University)

  • A. Kirilyuk

    (Radboud University Nijmegen, Institute for Molecules and Materials)

  • T. Rasing

    (Radboud University Nijmegen, Institute for Molecules and Materials)

  • A. V. Kimel

    (Radboud University Nijmegen, Institute for Molecules and Materials)

  • F. Nolting

    (Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut)

Abstract

Ultrafast magnetization reversal driven by femtosecond laser pulses has been shown to be a promising way to write information. Seeking to improve the recording density has raised intriguing fundamental questions about the feasibility of combining ultrafast temporal resolution with sub-wavelength spatial resolution for magnetic recording. Here we report on the experimental demonstration of nanoscale sub-100 ps all-optical magnetization switching, providing a path to sub-wavelength magnetic recording. Using computational methods, we reveal the feasibility of nanoscale magnetic switching even for an unfocused laser pulse. This effect is achieved by structuring the sample such that the laser pulse, via both refraction and interference, focuses onto a localized region of the structure, the position of which can be controlled by the structural design. Time-resolved photo-emission electron microscopy studies reveal that nanoscale magnetic switching employing such focusing can be pushed to the sub-100 ps regime.

Suggested Citation

  • L. Le Guyader & M. Savoini & S. El Moussaoui & M. Buzzi & A. Tsukamoto & A. Itoh & A. Kirilyuk & T. Rasing & A. V. Kimel & F. Nolting, 2015. "Nanoscale sub-100 picosecond all-optical magnetization switching in GdFeCo microstructures," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-6, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:6:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms6839
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6839
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