All-Optical Probe of Coherent Spin Waves

M. van Kampen, C. Jozsa, J. T. Kohlhepp, P. LeClair, L. Lagae, W. J. M. de Jonge, and B. Koopmans
Phys. Rev. Lett. 88, 227201 – Published 16 May 2002
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Abstract

A novel, all-optical method to excite and detect spin waves in magnetic materials is presented. By exploiting the temperature dependence of the magnetic anisotropy, an ultrashort laser pulse is efficiently converted in a picosecond “anisotropy field” pulse that triggers a coherent precession of the magnetization. Recording the temporal evolution of the precessing spins by a time-delayed probe-pulse provides a quantitative method to study locally the magnetic anisotropy, as well as switching and damping phenomena in micromagnetic structures. Applications to nickel and permalloy ( Ni80Fe20) films are discussed, particularly showing the possibility to explore standing spin waves in thin films.

  • Received 22 January 2002

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.88.227201

©2002 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

M. van Kampen1, C. Jozsa1, J. T. Kohlhepp1, P. LeClair1, L. Lagae2, W. J. M. de Jonge1, and B. Koopmans1

  • 1Department of Applied Physics, Center for NanoMaterials and COBRA Research Institute, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
  • 2Magneto-electronics group, IMEC vzw, Kapeldreef 75, 3000 Leuven, Belgium

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Vol. 88, Iss. 22 — 3 June 2002

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