Magnetization manipulation using ultra-short light pulses

Abstract

In this review, we discuss the different results demonstrating deterministic magnetization switching using ultra-fast laser pulses, named all-optical switching (AOS). The response of these magnetic systems can be separated into two groups depending on whether the helicity of the incident light affects the switching behaviour. All optical helicity-independent switching (AO-HIS) occurs after a single laser pulse and is mostly observed in Gd-based alloys and multilayers while all optical helicity-dependent switching (AO-HDS) occurs following multiple laser pulses and is observed in a diverse range of magnetic thin films. Our discussion focuses on the experimental and theoretical aspects of AO-HIS from Gd-based systems and other emerging materials. For AO-HDS, we highlight recent progress on the influence of domain size, state diagrams, mechanisms, and interlayer coupling. Finally, we discuss the potential application of all-optical switching in data-storage and logic devices, such as magnetic tunnel junctions, racetrack memories, and logic computation.