All-optical Magnetization Reversal Research Articles

Non-volatile chirality switching by all-optical magnetization reversal in ferromagnetic Weyl semimetal Co3Sn2S2

Weyl semimetals show unique physical properties exemplified by the colossal anomalous Hall effect, arising from exotic quasiparticles called Weyl fermions emerging around the Weyl nodes. Manipulating these topologically protected Weyl nodes is anticipated to play a leading role towards the on-demand control of quantum properties in Weyl semimetals. We demonstrate non-volatile chirality switching in a ferromagnetic Weyl semimetal Co3Sn2S2 via all-optical magnetization reversal. When excited by circularly polarized mid-infrared light pulses, the sign reversal of the anomalous Hall conductivity stemming from the Berry curvature is observed, manifesting the switching of the chirality of the Weyl nodes accompanying with the magnetization reversal. Magneto-optical imaging measurements reveal that the mechanism of the magnetization/chirality switching is attributed to the helicity-dependent deterministic magnetization associated with the magnetic circular dichroism.

High-temperature magnetization reversal in the inertial regime

Motivated by the remarkable experimental observation of all-optical femtosecond-scale magnetization reversal at relatively high temperatures, a stochastic inertial Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert-Bloch (iLLGB) equation is written to describe nonequilibrium magnetization dynamics in ferromagnets at elevated temperatures and at short enough timescales that an inertial effect manifests. The effect of thermal agitations is described by a Fokker-Planck equation derived from the iLLGB equation including the longitudinal relaxation effect, which is solved with perturbation theory valid at elevated temperatures. Considering a uniaxially symmetric ferromagnet with uniaxial anisotropy, a thermal diffusion-driven exponential mode and alternating field-driven nutation mode of stable magnetization reversal are identified. Our theory proposes a magnetization reversal mechanism based entirely on transfer of angular momentum to the local magnetization, but which takes into account thermal fluctuations and inertial effect at the same time. The theory explains several key observations in all-optical magnetization reversal experiments; the absence of the need for a static field, the subpicosecond switching timescale, the relative roles of thermal and field effects, and the relevance of circularly polarized light. Our results have direct implications for magnetic recording devices operating close to room temperatures and in the ultrafast regime.

Polarisation-dependent single-pulse ultrafast optical switching of an elementary ferromagnet

The ultimate control of magnetic states of matter at femtosecond (or even faster) timescales defines one of the most pursued paradigm shifts for future information technology. In this context, ultrafast laser pulses developed into extremely valuable stimuli for the all-optical magnetization reversal in ferrimagnetic and ferromagnetic alloys and multilayers, while this remains elusive in elementary ferromagnets. Here we demonstrate that a single laser pulse with sub-picosecond duration can lead to the reversal of the magnetization of bulk nickel, in tandem with the expected demagnetization. As revealed by realistic time-dependent electronic structure simulations, the central mechanism involves ultrafast light-induced torques that act on the magnetization. They are only effective if the laser pulse is circularly polarized on a plane that contains the initial orientation of the magnetization. We map the laser pulse parameter space enabling the magnetization switching and unveil rich intra-atomic orbital-dependent magnetization dynamics featuring transient inter-orbital non-collinear states. Our findings open further perspectives for the efficient implementation of optically-based spintronic devices.

Dual-shot dynamics and ultimate frequency of all-optical magnetic recording on GdFeCo

Although photonics presents the fastest and most energy-efficient method of data transfer, magnetism still offers the cheapest and most natural way to store data. The ultrafast and energy-efficient optical control of magnetism is presently a missing technological link that prevents us from reaching the next evolution in information processing. The discovery of all-optical magnetization reversal in GdFeCo with the help of 100 fs laser pulses has further aroused intense interest in this compelling problem. Although the applicability of this approach to high-speed data processing depends vitally on the maximum repetition rate of the switching, the latter remains virtually unknown. Here we experimentally unveil the ultimate frequency of repetitive all-optical magnetization reversal through time-resolved studies of the dual-shot magnetization dynamics in Gd27Fe63.87Co9.13. Varying the intensities of the shots and the shot-to-shot separation, we reveal the conditions for ultrafast writing and the fastest possible restoration of magnetic bits. It is shown that although magnetic writing launched by the first shot is completed after 100 ps, a reliable rewriting of the bit by the second shot requires separating the shots by at least 300 ps. Using two shots partially overlapping in space and minimally separated by 300 ps, we demonstrate an approach for GHz magnetic writing that can be scaled down to sizes below the diffraction limit.

Indium Tin Oxide optical access for magnetic tunnel junctions in hybrid spintronic–photonic circuits

The all-optical magnetization reversal of magnetic layers, by picosecond optical pulses, is of particular interest as it shows the potential for energy-efficient and fast magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) elements. This approach requires memory elements that are optically and electronically accessible, for optical writing and electronic read-out. In this paper, we propose the integration of indium tin oxide (ITO) as a transparent conducting electrode for magnetic tunnel junctions in integrated spintronic–photonic circuits. To provide light with sufficient energy to the MTJ free layer and allow electrical read-out of the MTJ state, we successfully integrated indium tin oxide as a top transparent electrode. The study shows that ITO film deposition by physical vapor deposition with conditions such as high source power and low O2 flow achieves smooth and conductive thin films. Increase in grain size was associated with low resistivity. Deposition of 150 nm ITO at 300 W, O2 flow of 1 sccm and 8.10−3 mbar vacuum pressure results in 4.8 × 10−4 Ω.cm resistivity and up to 80% transmittance at 800 nm wavelength. The patterning of ITO using CH4/H2 chemistry in a reactive ion etch process was investigated showing almost vertical sidewalls for diameters down to 50 nm. The ITO based process flow was compared to a standard magnetic tunnel junctions fabrication process flow based on Ta hard mask. Electrical measurements validate that the proposed process based on ITO results in properties equivalent to the standard process. We also show electrical results of magnetic tunnel junctions having all-optical switching top electrode fabricated with ITO for optical access. The developed ITO process flow shows very promising initial results and provides a way to fabricate these new devices to integrate all-optical switching magnetic tunnel junctions with electronic and photonic elements.

Thermal fluctuations in the Landau-Lifshitz-Bloch model

A formulation for thermal noise in the stochastic form of the Landau Lifshitz Bloch equation used for modeling the magnetization dynamics at elevated temperatures is presented. The diffusion coefficients for thermal fluctuations are obtained via the Fokker-Plank equation using the mean field approximation of the field in defining the free energy. The presented model leads to a mean magnetization consistent with the equilibrium magnetization for small and large particles. The distribution of the magnetization magnitude is of a Poisson-like type rather than the classical Boltzmann distribution. The presented model was tested by studying the equilibrium magnetization in macrospin particles at high temperatures. The model is appealing for multi-scale modeling, such as modeling heat assisted magnetic recording systems and all-optical magnetization reversal

Plasmonic layer-selective all-optical switching of magnetization with nanometer resolution

All-optical magnetization reversal with femtosecond laser pulses facilitates the fastest and least dissipative magnetic recording, but writing magnetic bits with spatial resolution better than the wavelength of light has so far been seen as a major challenge. Here, we demonstrate that a single femtosecond laser pulse of wavelength 800 nm can be used to toggle the magnetization exclusively within one of two 10-nm thick magnetic nanolayers, separated by just 80 nm, without affecting the other one. The choice of the addressed layer is enabled by the excitation of a plasmon-polariton at a targeted interface of the nanostructure, and realized merely by rotating the polarization-axis of the linearly-polarized ultrashort optical pulse by 90°. Our results unveil a robust tool that can be deployed to reliably switch magnetization in targeted nanolayers of heterostructures, and paves the way to increasing the storage density of opto-magnetic recording by a factor of at least 2.

Ultrafast Magnetization Reversal in DyFeCo Thin Film by Single Femtosecond Laser Pulse

Abstract—The possibility of the local all-optical magnetization reversal in a thin ferrimagnetic rare-earth—transition metal film (DeFeCo) by linearly and circularly polarized 35 fs laser pulses is demonstrated experimentally. Conditions of the exposure to unit pulse and pulse sequence without an applied external magnetic field are used. The found peculiarities of switching in DyFeCo differ substantially from the results obtained previously for rare-earth—transition metal alloys. The minimum nominal fluence for the magnetization reversal is 3 mJ/cm2.

Theory of light-induced effective magnetic field in Rashba ferromagnets

Motivated by recent experiments on all-optical magnetization reversal in conductive ferromagnetic thin films we use nonequilibrium formalism to calculate the effective magnetic field induced in a Rashba ferromagnet by a short laser pulse. The main contribution to the effect originates in the direct optical transitions between spin-split subbands. The resulting effective magnetic field is inversely proportional to the impurity scattering rate and can reach the amplitude of a few Tesla in the systems like Co/Pt bilayers. We showthat the total light-induced effective magnetic field in ferromagnetic systems is the sum of two contributions: a helicity dependent term, which is an even function of magnetization, and a helicity independent term, which is an odd function of magnetization. The primary role of the spin-orbit interaction is to widen the frequency range for direct optical transitions.

Optically induced spin-dependent diffusive transport in the presence of spin-orbit interaction for all-optical magnetization reversal

We have considered the effect of different spin-orbit interaction mechanisms on the process of demagnetization under the influence of short-pulse lasers. All-optical magnetization reversal of perpendicularly magnetized thin films can occur if there are sufficient strong spin-Hall, skew scattering, and Rashba interactions. In the presence of spin-orbit interactions, the transient charge currents provide the generation of transverse-spin currents and accumulations, which eventually exert spin-transfer torque on the magnetization. By combining the optically excited spin-dependent diffusive transport with the spin and charge currents due to skew scattering, spin-Hall, inverse spin-Hall and Rashba interactions, into a numerical model, we demonstrate a possibility of ultra-fast all-optical magnetization reversal. This understanding provokes intriguing, more in-depth experimental studies on the role of spin-orbit interaction mechanisms in optimizing structures for all-optical magnetization reversal.

Exchange scattering as the driving force for ultrafast all-optical and bias-controlled reversal in ferrimagnetic metallic structures

Experimentally observed ultrafast all-optical magnetization reversal in ferrimagnetic metals and heterostructures based on antiferromagnetically coupled ferromagnetic $d-$ and $f-$metallic layers relies on intricate energy and angular momentum flow between electrons, phonons and spins. Here we treat the problem of angular momentum transfer in the course of ultrafast laser-induced dynamics in a ferrimagnetic metallic system using microscopical approach based on the system of rate equations. We show that the magnetization reversal is supported by a coupling of $d-$ and $f-$ subsystems to delocalized $s-$ or $p-$ electrons. The latter can transfer spin between the two subsystems in an incoherent way owing to the $(s;p)-(d;f)$ exchange scattering. Since the effect of the external excitation in this process is reduced to the transient heating of the mobile electron subsystem, we also discuss possibility to trigger the magnetization reversal by applying a voltage bias pulse to antiferromagnetically coupled metallic ferromagnetic layers embedded in point contact or tunneling structures. We argue that such devices allow controlling reversal with high accuracy. We also suggest to use the anomalous Hall effect to register the reversal, thus playing a role of reading probes.

Micromagnetic investigation of all-optical switching

This Letter investigates all-optical magnetization switching from micromagnetic perspective. The influence of circularly polarized light on a magnetic sample was considered to be both directly through the inverse Faraday effect and indirectly aided by thermal induced effects by the laser beam. Dependence of all-optical switching on pulse duration, laser intensity and the magneto-optical susceptibility strength is studied. An important aspect of this investigation is the analysis of how the cooling process influences the successive switches, especially through limiting the successive writing time. • The effects of laser exposure time and laser intensity on the stability of all-optical switching are analyzed. • The correlation between times involved into all-optical magnetization reversal is established. • The influence of cooling process on successive switches is analyzed.

All-optical magnetization reversal by circularly polarized laser pulses: Experiment and multiscale modeling

We present results of detailed experimental and theoretical studies of all-optical magnetization reversal by single circularly-polarized laser pulses in ferrimagnetic rare earth---transition metal (RE--TM) alloys Gd${}_{x}$Fe${}_{90\ensuremath{-}x}$Co${}_{10}$ ($20%lxl28%$). Using single-shot time-resolved magneto-optical microscopy and multiscale simulations, we identified and described the unconventional path followed by the magnetization during the reversal process. This reversal does not involve precessional motion of magnetization but is governed by the longitudinal relaxation and thus has a linear character. We demonstrate that this all-optically driven linear reversal can be modeled as a result of a two-fold impact of the laser pulse on the medium. First, due to absorption of the light and ultrafast laser-induced heating, the medium is brought to a highly nonequilibrium state. Simultaneously, due to the ultrafast inverse Faraday effect the circularly polarized laser pulse acts as an effective magnetic field of the amplitude up to $\ensuremath{\sim}$20 T. We show that the polarization-dependent reversal triggered by the circularly polarized light is feasible only in a narrow range (below 10%) of laser fluences. The duration of the laser pulse required for the reversal can be varied from $\ensuremath{\sim}$40 fs up to at least $\ensuremath{\sim}$1700 fs. We also investigate experimentally the role of the ferrimagnetic properties of GdFeCo in the all-optical reversal. In particular, the optimal conditions for the all-optical reversal are achieved just below the ferrimagnetic compensation temperature, where the magnetic information can be all-optically written by a laser pulse of minimal fluence and read out within just 30 ps. We argue that this is the fastest write-read event demonstrated for magnetic recording so far.

All-optical four-state magnetization reversal in (Ga,Mn)As ferromagnetic semiconductors

Using density matrix equations of motion and a tight-binding band calculation, we predict all-optical switching between four metastable magnetic states of (III,Mn)As ferromagnets. This switching is initiated non-thermally within 100 fs, during nonlinear coherent photoexcitation. For a single optical pulse, magnetization reversal is completed after ∼100 ps and controlled by the coherent femtosecond photoexcitation. Our predicted switching comes from magnetic nonlinearities triggered by a femtosecond magnetization tilt that is sensitive to un-adiabatic light-induced spin interactions.

Active magneto-plasmonics in hybrid metal–ferromagnet structures

Active switching of plasmons by an external magnetic field is demonstrated in a metal–ferromagnet–metal structure. The strong modulation, combined with possible all-optical magnetization reversal induced by femtosecond light pulses, opens the door to ultrafast magneto-plasmonic switching.

Ultrafast Path for Optical Magnetization Reversal via a Strongly Nonequilibrium State

Using time-resolved single-shot pump-probe microscopy we unveil the mechanism and the time scale of all-optical magnetization reversal by a single circularly polarized 100 fs laser pulse. We demonstrate that the reversal has a linear character, i.e., does not involve precession but occurs via a strongly nonequilibrium state. Calculations show that the reversal time which can be achieved via this mechanism is within 10 ps for a 30 nm domain. Using two single subpicosecond laser pulses we demonstrate that for a 5 microm domain the magnetic information can be recorded and readout within 30 ps, which is the fastest "write-read" event demonstrated for magnetic recording so far.

Athermal all-optical femtosecond magnetization reversal in GdFeCo

Magnetization reversal in GdFeCo by circularly polarized light is shown to occur at the femtosecond time scale. In contrast to the well-known laser-assisted magnetization reversal based on the laser heating, we here demonstrate that this femtosecond all-optical magnetization reversal is more efficient at lower temperatures. Both of these findings make all-optical recording on rare-earth transition metal alloys a promising technique for stable magnetic storage with high data rates.