In the world of material science, the ability to manipulate magnetization on extremely short time scales is a crucial area of research. Scientists have long been exploring the use of intense laser pulses to induce changes in magnetization orientation, typically through thermally induced processes. However, a recent study conducted by researchers from the Max Born Institute (MBI) and an international team has revealed an alternative non-thermal approach to generating significant magnetization changes using circularly polarized extreme ultraviolet (XUV) radiation.
The traditional approach to changing magnetization with intense laser pulses is based on the absorption of energy, which leads to rapid heating of the material and perturbation of the magnetic order. This method, while effective, comes with a significant heat load on the material, limiting its potential applications in technologies requiring fast repetition rates. In contrast, the new approach introduced by the researchers at MBI is based on the inverse Faraday effect, a non-thermal opto-magnetic phenomenon that relies on the interaction between the polarization of light and the electronic spins in the material.
To demonstrate the potential of the non-thermal approach, the researchers exposed a ferrimagnetic iron-gadolinium alloy to circularly polarized femtosecond pulses of XUV radiation generated at the free-electron laser FERMI. This specific choice of material and radiation allowed for the resonant excitation of core-level electrons with intrinsic properties conducive to large opto-magnetic effects. The results showed a substantial magnetization change induced by the inverse Faraday effect, reaching up to 20-30% of the ground-state magnetization of the alloy.
The findings of this study are expected to have significant implications for the fields of ultrafast magnetism, spintronics, and coherent magnetization control. By providing an efficient non-thermal method for generating large magnetization changes on ultrafast time scales, this research opens up new possibilities for applications requiring precise and rapid manipulation of magnetic properties. The ability to control magnetization without the limitations of excessive heat generation could revolutionize technologies such as data storage and processing, as well as advance our understanding of nonlinear X-ray matter interactions.
The study conducted by researchers from the Max Born Institute represents a groundbreaking advancement in the field of ultrafast magnetization control. By harnessing the power of circularly polarized XUV radiation and the inverse Faraday effect, the team has demonstrated a novel approach to manipulating magnetization without the need for thermal heating. This research paves the way for innovative applications in magnetism and spin dynamics, offering new possibilities for the development of future technologies.
Leave a Reply