Magnetization dynamics using ultrashort magnetic field pulses

TL;DR

This paper explores the use of ultrashort, high-intensity magnetic field pulses generated by electron bunches to study rapid magnetization dynamics and fast switching in magnetic materials within picoseconds.

Contribution

It introduces a method to generate and utilize ultrashort magnetic field pulses for investigating magnetization precession and switching at unprecedented timescales.

Findings

Magnetic field pulses of several Tesla and picosecond duration are achievable.

Magnetization precession can be induced and studied within 10 picoseconds.

Potential for ultrafast magnetic switching applications.

Abstract

Very short and well shaped magnetic field pulses can be generated using ultra-relativistic electron bunches at Stanford Linear Accelerator. These fields of several Tesla with duration of several picoseconds are used to study the response of magnetic materials to a very short excitation. Precession of a magnetic moment by 90 degrees in a field of 1 Tesla takes about 10 picoseconds, so we explore the range of fast switching of the magnetization by precession.