Ultrafast magneto-optical dynamics in nickel (111) single crystal studied by the integration of ultrafast reflectivity and polarimetry probes

Abstract

With the integration of ultrafast reflectivity and polarimetry probes, we observed carrier relaxation and spin dynamics induced by ultrafast laser excitation of Ni (111) single crystals. The carrier relaxation time within the linear excitation range reveals that electron–phonon coupling and dissipation of photon energy into the bulk of the crystal take tens of picoseconds. On the other hand, the observed spin dynamics indicate a longer time of about 120 ps. To further understand how the lattice degree of freedom is coupled with these dynamics may require the integration of an ultrafast diffraction probe.