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Ultrafast laser induced local magnetization dynamics in Heusler compounds
P Elliott1, T Müller1, J K Dewhurst1
1Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Weinberg 2, D-06120 Halle, Germany.
Scientific Reports
|December 15, 2016
Summary
Femtomagnetism research shows complex magnetic materials like Heusler alloys can alter local magnetic moments in 5 femtoseconds using only laser light. This optical control offers a new path for ultrafast spin manipulation.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Quantum Mechanics
Background:
- Femtomagnetism aims to control magnetic structures with laser light on femtosecond timescales.
- Current methods face limitations due to indirect light-electron spin interactions, showing magnetic moment loss in hundreds of femtoseconds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if complex magnetic materials can achieve faster light-induced magnetic changes.
- To explore the potential for ultrafast, purely optical spin manipulation.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing ab-initio calculations to simulate light-matter interactions.
- Examining Heusler and half-Heusler alloys as model complex magnetic materials.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated purely optical excitation can change local magnetic moments in ~5 femtoseconds in Heusler alloys.
- Established that ground-state spectra predict the qualitative magnetic response to laser light.
Conclusions:
- Complex magnetic materials offer a route to ultimate short-timescale spin manipulation via optical control.
- Material design based on ground-state properties can tailor laser light responses in magnetic materials.
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