Distinct element-specific nanoscale magnetization dynamics following ultrafast laser excitation

TL;DR

This study uses time-resolved EUV magnetic scattering to reveal element-specific ultrafast magnetization dynamics in a multilayer, showing significantly different responses for Ni and Co, indicating complex 3D domain distortions.

Contribution

It demonstrates element-specific ultrafast magnetization dynamics in a multilayer using EUV scattering, revealing distinct behaviors for Ni and Co.

Findings

Ni exhibits 10-40 times stronger scattering pattern distortion than Co.

Distinct ultrafast distortions for Ni and Co indicate 3D domain pattern changes.

Significant element-specific differences in ultrafast magnetic response.

Abstract

Time-resolved ultrafast extreme ultraviolet (EUV) magnetic scattering is used to study laser-driven ultrafast magnetization dynamics of labyrinthine domains in a [Co/Ni/Pt] multilayer. Our measurements at the Co and Ni M-edges reveal distinct ultrafast distortions of the scattering pattern position and width for Ni compared to Co. Ni shows a strong modification of the scattering pattern, approximately 10 to 40 times stronger than Co. As distortions of the labyrinthine pattern in reciprocal space relate to the modification of domain textures in real space, significant differences in Co and Ni highlight a 3D distortion of the domain pattern in the far-from-equilibrium regime.