TY  - JOUR
A1  - Quessab, Yassine
A1  - Deb, Marwan
A1  - Gorchon, J.
A1  - Hehn, M.
A1  - Malinowski, Gregory
A1  - Mangin, S.
T1  - Resolving the role of magnetic circular dichroism in multishot helicity-dependent all-optical switching
JF  - Physical review : B, Condensed matter and materials physics
N2  - By conducting helicity-dependent ultrafast magnetization dynamics in a CoTb ferrimagnetic alloy, we are able to quantitatively determine the magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) and resolve its role in the helicity-dependent all-optical switching (AOS). Unequivocal interpretation of the sign of the dichroism is provided by performing AOS and femtosecond laser-induced domain wall motion experiments. We demonstrate that AOS occurs when the magnetization is initially in the most absorbent state, according to the light helicity. Moreover, we evidence that the MCD creates a thermal gradient that drives a domain wall toward hotter regions. Our experimental results are in agreement with the purely thermal models of AOS.
Y1  - 2019
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.100.024425
SN  - 2469-9950
SN  - 2469-9969
VL  - 100
IS  - 2
PB  - American Physical Society
CY  - College Park
ER  -