A novel method for time-resolved measurement of magnetization dynamics induced by femtosecond laser pulse in highly absorbing and metallic layer coated thin films based on a magnetic loop antenna

Abstract

Femtosecond laser-induced magnetization dynamics is a popular research topic, due to its potential applications in fast magnetic storage devices and the field of spintronics. In the article we present a novel technique for time-resolved measurement of femtosecond laser-induced magnetization dynamics, based on inductive sensing by a loop antenna. It allows performing investigation of magnetization dynamics in highly absorbing samples, samples with patterned surfaces and samples coated by a thin metallic layer, which are difficult to study using optical techniques. To test the technique, both thick and thin films made of highly absorbing and diffusing materials, were used. Results of tests for several ferromagnetic materials including Gadolinium are discussed in the article. The test results prove that the method provides a simple tool to observe and study magnetization dynamics phenomena in the vicinity of the materials’ Curie temperature.