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arXiv · 1206.6978

Light-induced magnetization reversal of high-anisotropy TbCo alloy films

Sabine Alebrand·Matthias Gottwald·Michel Hehn·Daniel Steil·Mirko Cinchetti·Daniel Lacour·Eric E. Fullerton·Martin Aeschlimann·Stéphane Mangin
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Abstract

Magnetization reversal using circularly polarized light provides a new way to control magnetization without any external magnetic field and has the potential to revolutionize magnetic data storage. However, in order to reach ultra-high density data storage, high anisotropy media providing thermal stability are needed. Here, we evidence all-optical magnetization switching for different TbxCo1-x ferrimagnetic alloy composition and demonstrate all-optical switching for films with anisotropy fields reaching 6 T corresponding to anisotropy constants of 3x106 ergs/cm3. Optical magnetization switching is observed only for alloys which compensation temperature can be reached through sample heating.

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Sabine Alebrand, Matthias Gottwald, Michel Hehn, Daniel Steil, Mirko Cinchetti, Daniel Lacour, Eric E. Fullerton, Martin Aeschlimann, Stéphane Mangin. 2012-06-29. Light-induced magnetization reversal of high-anisotropy TbCo alloy films. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4759109

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