Circularly Polarized Light Unlocks Ultrafast Magnetic Storage and Spintronics

Researchers have developed a non-thermal method using circularly polarized XUV light to induce significant magnetization changes through the inverse Faraday effect in an iron-gadolinium alloy. This breakthrough allows for alterations in magnetization without the usual thermal effects, potentially revolutionizing ultrafast data storage and spintronics technologies. By exposing the alloy to extreme ultraviolet radiation, scientists demonstrated a strong magnetic response dependent on the polarization of the light burst. This non-thermal approach, based on the inverse Faraday effect, provides an efficient way to control magnetization without the heat load typically associated with traditional methods. The study, supported by theoretical simulations, showcases the potential for generating large magnetization changes on ultrafast timescales, offering new possibilities for coherent magnetization control and nonlinear x-ray matter interactions. These findings are expected to have significant implications for the fields of ultrafast magnetism and spintronics, paving the way for advancements in data storage technologies.