Scientific Highlights

Left: Structure of BaFe2As2 with the motion pattern of the A1g phonon mode (red arrows). Right: Pump-induced change of diffraction intensity of the (1 0 5) reflection

Ultrafast structural dynamics of the Fe-pnictide parent compound BaFe2As2

Understanding the interplay of the various degrees of freedom such as the electrons, spins and lattice is essential for many complex materials, including the high-temperature superconductors.

•Zukunftstechnologien
•7 min

Batman zeigt den Weg zu kompakter Datenspeicherung

Materialforschung SLS

Forschenden am Paul Scherrer Institut PSI ist es gelungen, winzige magnetische Strukturen mit Laserlicht umzuschalten und die Veränderung zeitlich zu verfolgen. Dabei blinkte kurz ein nanometergrosser Bereich auf, der skurrilerweise an das Fledermaus-Symbol von Batman erinnert. Die Forschungsergebnisse könnten die Datenspeicherung auf Festplatten kompakter, schneller und effizienter machen.

Magnetization dynamics inside a 5 µm x 5 µm structure.(a) Time-resolved PEEM images using XMCD as a magnetic contrast mechanism recorded at a given time delay t after the laser pulse and (b) extracted XMCD contrast as a function of the time delay t for three different ROI, defined in the inset image by the coloured area superimposed on the non-dichroic X-ray absorption of the structure. The 0° incoming laser direction with respect to the structure edge is indicated in the inset by the laser in-plane wave v…

Nanoscale sub-100 picosecond all-optical magnetization switching in GdFeCo microstructure

Ultrafast magnetization reversal driven by femtosecond laser pulses has been shown to be a promising way to write information. Seeking to improve the recording density has raised intriguing fundamental questions about the feasibility of combining ultrafast temporal resolution with sub-wavelength spatial resolution for magnetic recording. Here we report on the experimental demonstration of nanoscale sub-100 ps all-optical magnetization switching, providing a path to sub-wavelength magnetic recording.