Helicity and field dependent magnetization dynamics of ferromagnetic Co/Pt multilayers

We present helicity and field dependent magnetization dynamics of ferromagnetic Co/Pt multilayers, suitable for all-optical helicity-dependent switching. Employing single-shot time-resolved magnetooptical Kerr effect imaging, our study demonstrates an ultra-fast quenching of the magnetization after a single 60 fs laser pulse excitation followed by a recovery. Full demagnetization occurs within 1 ps after laser excitation. The magnetization dynamics reveals a small helicity dependence caused by magnetic circular dichroism. When an external magnetic field is applied, a heat-assisted magnetization reversal occurs on a nanosecond time scale.