The electronic and spin dynamics in thin iron films have been investigated by means of time-resolved reflectivity and time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect. Combining the two techniques, it is possible to clarify the role of electron-phonon and electron-magnon interactions on the ultrafast magnetization dynamics. In particular, we show that the rapid 100 fs demagnetization is established at the electronic level through electron-magnon excitation, while the subsequent recovery of the spin order is attributed to the Elliott-Yafet spin-flip scattering process on a time scale slightly shorter than a picosecond. Both processes have characteristic time constants that undoubtedly differ from the measured electron-phonon coupling time of 240 fs.

Dynamics of electron-magnon interaction and ultrafast magnetization in thin iron films

CARPENE, ETTORE;MANCINI, EDUARDO;DALLERA, CLAUDIA;BRENNA, MASSIMILIANO;PUPPIN, EZIO;DE SILVESTRI, SANDRO
2008-01-01

Abstract

The electronic and spin dynamics in thin iron films have been investigated by means of time-resolved reflectivity and time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect. Combining the two techniques, it is possible to clarify the role of electron-phonon and electron-magnon interactions on the ultrafast magnetization dynamics. In particular, we show that the rapid 100 fs demagnetization is established at the electronic level through electron-magnon excitation, while the subsequent recovery of the spin order is attributed to the Elliott-Yafet spin-flip scattering process on a time scale slightly shorter than a picosecond. Both processes have characteristic time constants that undoubtedly differ from the measured electron-phonon coupling time of 240 fs.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11311/529746
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