Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026

Quantifying the Relative Thickness of Conductive Ferromagnetic Materials Using Detector Coil-Based Pulsed Eddy Current Sensors
Published on: January 16, 2020
Exploring Co, Fe, and Ni Reference Layers for Single-Pulse All-Optical Reversal in Ferromagnetic Spin Valves
Jun-Xiao Lin1, Yann Le Guen1, Julius Hohlfeld1
1Institut Jean Lamour, Université De Lorraine, CNRS, Nancy, France.
None:
We investigate the magnetization reversal process induced by a single femtosecond laser pulse in ferromagnetic spin valves by systematically comparing reference layers composed of pure Co, Ni, and Fe. To circumvent the loss of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy associated with changes in reference layer material and thickness, we design spin valves with in-plane magnetizations. While antiparallel-to-parallel switching is observed for all three elements, parallel-to-antiparallel switching occurs only with a Co reference layer and is absent with Ni and Fe. This difference is attributed to the distinct ultrafast magnetization dynamics of the reference materials. Our results support the hypothesis that parallel-to-antiparallel switching requires a rapid remagnetization of the reference layer, which generates a substantial negative spin current polarized opposite to the free layer magnetization-an essential condition for triggering its reversal.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Ferromagnetism
Pulse
The pulse serves as a clinical...
Pulse
Pulse Rate and its Significance
Pulse rate, often measured in beats per minute (bpm), reflects the heart rate (HR), which is influenced by numerous factors such as stress, physical activity, and hormonal changes. A normal resting adult pulse rate falls...
Spin–Spin Coupling Constant: Overview
Qualitatively, any spin plus-half nucleus polarizes the spins of its electrons to the minus-half state. Consequently, the paired electron in the hydrogen–carbon bond must...
NMR Spectroscopy: Spin–Spin Coupling
Spin–Spin Coupling: One-Bond Coupling

