Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Spectral and Angle-Resolved Magneto-Optical Characterization of Photonic Nanostructures
Published on: November 21, 2019
Time-resolved demagnetization of Co2MnSi observed using x-ray magnetic circular dichroism and an ultrafast streak
Y P Opachich1, A Comin, A F Bartelt
1Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720-8099, USA. YPOpachich@gmail.com
Abstract:
The demagnetization dynamics of the Heusler alloy Co(2)MnSi was studied using picosecond time-resolved x-ray magnetic circular dichroism. The sample was excited using femtosecond laser pulses. In contrast to the sub-picosecond demagnetization of the metal ferromagnet Ni, substantially slower demagnetization with a time constant of 3.5 ± 0.5 ps was measured. This could be explained by a spin-dependent band gap inhibiting the spin-flip scattering of hot electrons in Co(2)MnSi, which is predicted to be half-metallic. A universal demagnetization time constant was measured across a range of pump power levels.
Related Concept Videos
Atomic Nuclei: Magnetic Resonance
Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Relaxation Processes

