Modeling of coherent ultrafast magneto-optical experiments: Light-induced molecular mean-field model

Journal Article · Mon Dec 28 00:00:00 EST 2015 · Journal of Applied Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4938387· OSTI ID:22493088

Hinschberger, Y. ^[1]; Hervieux, P. -A. ^[2]

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1. Instituto de Física dos Materiais da Universidade do Porto, Departamento de Física et Astronomia, Rua do campo Alegre, 687, 4169-007 Porto (Portugal)
2. Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR 7504 BP 43 - F-67034 Strasbourg Cedex 2 (France)

We present calculations which aim to describe coherent ultrafast magneto-optical effects observed in time-resolved pump-probe experiments. Our approach is based on a nonlinear semi-classical Drude-Voigt model and is used to interpret experiments performed on nickel ferromagnetic thin film. Within this framework, a phenomenological light-induced coherent molecular mean-field depending on the polarizations of the pump and probe pulses is proposed whose microscopic origin is related to a spin-orbit coupling involving the electron spins of the material sample and the electric field of the laser pulses. Theoretical predictions are compared to available experimental data. The model successfully reproduces the observed experimental trends and gives meaningful insight into the understanding of magneto-optical rotation behavior in the ultrafast regime. Theoretical predictions for further experimental studies are also proposed.

• OSTI ID: 22493088
• Journal Information: Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 118, Issue 24; Other Information: (c) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0021-8979
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTRONS
EXPERIMENT RESULTS
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
FERROMAGNETIC MATERIALS
LASERS
L-S COUPLING
MAGNETO-OPTICAL EFFECTS
MEAN-FIELD THEORY
NICKEL
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
POLARIZATION
PULSES
ROTATION
SIMULATION
THIN FILMS
TIME RESOLUTION
VISIBLE RADIATION