Light-induced magnetization reversal of high-anisotropy TbCo alloy films

TL;DR

This study demonstrates all-optical magnetization switching in high-anisotropy TbCo alloy films, showing potential for ultra-high density magnetic data storage without external magnetic fields.

Contribution

It provides the first evidence of all-optical switching in high-anisotropy TbCo alloys with anisotropy fields up to 6 T, highlighting the role of compensation temperature.

Findings

All-optical switching observed in TbCo alloys with high anisotropy.

Switching occurs only when the compensation temperature is accessible.

Demonstrates potential for high-density data storage applications.

Abstract

Magnetization reversal using circularly polarized light provides a new way to control magnetization without any external magnetic field and has the potential to revolutionize magnetic data storage. However, in order to reach ultra-high density data storage, high anisotropy media providing thermal stability are needed. Here, we evidence all-optical magnetization switching for different TbxCo1-x ferrimagnetic alloy composition and demonstrate all-optical switching for films with anisotropy fields reaching 6 T corresponding to anisotropy constants of 3x106 ergs/cm3. Optical magnetization switching is observed only for alloys which compensation temperature can be reached through sample heating.