Low frequency terahertz-induced demagnetization in ferromagnetic nickel

A laser stimulus at terahertz (THz) frequency is expected to offer superior control over magnetization dynamics compared to an optical pulse, where ultrafast demagnetization is mediated by heat deposition. As a THz field cycle occurs on a timescale similar to the natural speed of spin motions, this...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied physics letters 2016-05, Vol.108 (18)
Main Authors: Shalaby, Mostafa, Vicario, Carlo, Hauri, Christoph P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied physics
CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS
DEMAGNETIZATION
Ferromagnetic materials
HEAT
LASERS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
Magnetic switching
Magnetism
MAGNETIZATION
NICKEL
PULSES
PUMPS
QUENCHING
SPIN
THIN FILMS
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Summary:A laser stimulus at terahertz (THz) frequency is expected to offer superior control over magnetization dynamics compared to an optical pulse, where ultrafast demagnetization is mediated by heat deposition. As a THz field cycle occurs on a timescale similar to the natural speed of spin motions, this can open a path for triggering precessional magnetization motion and ultimately ultrafast magnetic switching by the THz magnetic field component, without quenching. Here, we explore the ultrafast magnetic response of a ferromagnetic nickel thin film excited by a strong (33 MV/cm) terahertz transient in non-resonant conditions. While the magnetic laser pulse component induces ultrafast magnetic precessions, we experimentally found that at high pump fluence, the THz pulse leads to large quenching which dominates the precessional motion by far. Furthermore, degradation of magnetic properties sets in and leads to permanent modifications of the Ni thin film and damage.
ISSN:0003-6951
1077-3118
DOI:10.1063/1.4948472