Polarisation-dependent single-pulse ultrafast optical switching of an elementary ferromagnet

Abstract

Laser pulses can be used not only to investigate the ultrafast dynamics of a magnetic system but also to manipulate their magnetization states with potential applications in information storage. To this end, using time-dependent electronic structure simulations, the authors investigate the underlying physics of the laser-induced ultrafast magnetization dynamics in bulk nickel and predict magnetization reversal with a single pulse.