Element-specific probing of ultrafast magnetization dynamics in the visible spectral range

Abstract

Femtosecond laser excitation of thin magnetic films consisting of multiple magnetic sublattices triggers ultrafast spin dynamics and even magnetization reversal driven by the exchange interaction between the sublattices. To explore these intriguing phenomena requires element specific studies.We demonstrate that element specific probing of ultrafast spin dynamics can also be realized with visible light and does not require sophisticated X-ray facilities.