Abstract
We present helicity and field dependent magnetization dynamics of ferromagnetic Co/Pt multilayers, suitable for all-optical helicity-dependent switching. Employing single-shot time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect imaging, our study demonstrates an ultra-fast quenching of the magnetization after a single 60 fs laser pulse excitation followed by a recovery. Full demagnetization occurs within 1 ps after laser excitation. The magnetization dynamics reveals a small helicity dependence caused by magnetic circular dichroism. When an external magnetic field is applied, a heat-assisted magnetization reversal occurs on a nanosecond time scale.
Highlights
We present helicity and field dependent magnetization dynamics of ferromagnetic Co/Pt multilayers, suitable for all-optical helicity-dependent switching
Attempts of engineering new materials suitable for both all-optical switching (AOS) and technological applications2 resulted in the surprising observation of a helicity-dependent all-optical magnetization reversal3 in a number of ferromagnetic multilayers with a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy
A very recent study of Co/Pt multilayers revealed a cumulative nature of the magnetization reversal with a “certain number of laser pulses needed” to obtain a full and reproducible helicity-dependent AOS.24
Summary
We present helicity and field dependent magnetization dynamics of ferromagnetic Co/Pt multilayers, suitable for all-optical helicity-dependent switching. A very recent study of Co/Pt multilayers revealed a cumulative nature of the magnetization reversal with a “certain number of laser pulses needed” to obtain a full and reproducible helicity-dependent AOS.24 In that work, the authors employed electrical characterization of the AOS in Co/Pt structures using a Hall bar, but this approach neither gave insight in the effect of a single pulse nor into its dynamics or mechanism. To understand what happens to the magnetization after a single laser pulse excitation, we studied the magnetization dynamics of ferromagnetic Co/Pt multilayers.
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