Abstract

We investigate the ultrafast spin dynamics in an epitaxial hcp(11¯00) cobalt thin film. By performing pump–probe magneto-optical measurements with the magnetization along either the easy or hard magnetic axis, we determine the demagnetization and recovery time for the two axes. We observe an average of 33% slower dynamics along the easy magnetization axis, which we attribute to magneto-crystalline anisotropy of the electron–phonon coupling, supported by our ab initio calculations. This points toward an unambiguous and previously undisclosed role of anisotropic electron–lattice coupling in ultrafast magnetism.

Highlights

  • The role of the lattice in ultrafast magnetism has been discussed since the early years following the pioneering experiment

  • We investigate the ultrafast spin dynamics in an epitaxial hcp(1100) cobalt thin film

  • We observe an average of 33% slower dynamics along the easy magnetization axis, which we attribute to magneto-crystalline anisotropy of the electron–phonon coupling, supported by our ab initio calculations

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Summary

Introduction

The role of the lattice in ultrafast magnetism has been discussed since the early years following the pioneering experiment. By performing pump–probe magneto-optical measurements with the magnetization along either the easy or hard magnetic axis, we determine the demagnetization and recovery time for the two axes.

Results
Conclusion

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