Role of photonic angular momentum in all-optical magnetic switching

Abstract

By examining the complex interactions between light and magnetism, this work uncovers the dominant role played by light's spin angular momentum in magnetic all-optical switching (AOS) using Co/Pt ferromagnetic thin films. The authors use femtosecond vortex beams to demonstrate that the topological charge and orbital angular momentum's handedness are inconsequential. As a result, this research enhances our comprehension and underscores the pivotal correlation between the angular momentum of light and magnetization dynamics.

Topics & Concepts