Ultrafast Terahertz-induced Magnetization Dynamics Studied on a Nanometer Length Scale by Coherent XUV Free-electron Laser Radiation.

Free-electron lasers (FELs), with their high photon flux, short pulse lengths, and coherent radiation, are ideal tools for studying complex materials, simultaneously on sub-picosecond time and on nanometer length scales. In particular, by exploiting the magneto-dichroic transitions at the L or M edges of Fe, Co, Ni or Gd, temporal and spatial studies of magnetic systems can be performed.
Infrared-pump–XUV-probe experiments performed at a FEL have revealed that the optically induced demagnetization in magnetic maze-domain structured Co/Pt samples is also accompanied by a spatial response. In this, and other studies using optical (IR) pumping, the magnetization is manipulated by heating of the spin system, i.e. through ultrafast electronic excitations.
Using terahertz (THz) radiation for pumping gives a unique possibility to investigate the influence of ultra-short pulses of strong magnetic fields on the magnetization dynamics since the THz photons do not generate direct electronic heating and because the THz phase can couple directly to the magnetic moments. Hence, the use of THz radiation could bring one a step closer to being able to control magnetism on ultrafast time scales.