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Spectral and Angle-Resolved Magneto-Optical Characterization of Photonic Nanostructures
Published on: November 21, 2019
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Ultrafast Magneto-Optics in Nickel Magnetoplasmonic Crystals.
I A Novikov1, M A Kiryanov1, P K Nurgalieva1
1Faculty of Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
Nano Letters
|November 25, 2020
Summary
Ultrafast laser pulses modulate magnetic properties in nickel crystals, significantly altering light interactions. This study reveals slower electron dynamics in magnetoplasmonic crystals compared to plain nickel.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Optics
Background:
- Magnetoplasmonic crystals (MPCs) offer unique light-matter interactions.
- Surface plasmons (SPs) enhance optical effects in nanostructured materials.
- Magneto-optical effects like TMOKE are crucial for magnetic sensing and data storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ultrafast all-optical modulation of SP-assisted transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect (TMOKE) and reflectance in a nickel MPC.
- To understand the dynamics of magnetization and electron thermalization in response to laser excitation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a femtosecond (50 fs) nonresonant laser pump pulse with a fluence of 7 mJ/cm2.
- Employed time-resolved optical spectroscopy to probe changes in TMOKE and reflectance.
- Compared electron thermalization and relaxation dynamics in MPCs with plain nickel films.
Main Results:
- Achieved a 65% reduction in magnetization with the laser pump pulse.
- Observed suppression of TMOKE from 1.15% to 0.4% at the SP resonance.
- Recorded a differential reflectance of 5.5% for the SP-resonant probe.
- Demonstrated that electron thermalization and relaxation in MPCs are significantly slower than in plain nickel.
Conclusions:
- Femtosecond laser pulses can effectively modulate magneto-optical and optical properties of nickel MPCs.
- The observed suppression of TMOKE and enhanced reflectance highlight the potential for all-optical switching applications.
- Slower electron dynamics in MPCs suggest unique energy dissipation pathways relevant for device design.
