Ultrafast Magnetisation Dynamics at the Low-Fluence Limit Supported by External Magnetic Fields

Abstract

We report on ultrafast magnetisation dynamics in ferromagnetic cobalt/platinum multilayers upon pumping by near and mid to far infrared radiation, utilizing sub-100 femtosecond free-electron laser pulses. The evolution of the excited magnetic state is studied on femtosecond timescales with nanometre spatial resolution and element selectivity, employing time-resolved magnetic small-angle X-ray scattering. The obtained results contribute to the ongoing discussion to what extent either coupling of the electromagnetic field or rather quasi-instantaneous heating of the electron-system is the driving force for phenomena like ultrafast demagnetization or all-optical helicity-dependent switching