Accelerating ultrafast magnetization reversal by non-local spin transfer

Abstract

Under laser illumination it is possible to drive a ferromagnet to lose its magnetization. While this process can be rapid, remagnetization following this is slower, due to the universal critical slowing down near the phase transition. Here, Remy et al show how such a slowing down can be overcome, changing the direction of magnetization in 400 femtoseconds.