Exploring Co, Fe, and Ni Reference Layers for Single-Pulse All-Optical Reversal in Ferromagnetic Spin Valves

Fuente: arXiv
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Autori principali: Lin, Jun-Xiao, Guen, Yann Le, Hohlfeld, Julius, Gorchon, Jon, Malinowski, Grégory, Mangin, Stéphane, Lacour, Daniel, Hauet, Thomas, Hehn, Michel
Natura: Preprint
Pubblicazione: 2025
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author Lin, Jun-Xiao
Guen, Yann Le
Hohlfeld, Julius
Gorchon, Jon
Malinowski, Grégory
Mangin, Stéphane
Lacour, Daniel
Hauet, Thomas
Hehn, Michel
author_facet Lin, Jun-Xiao
Guen, Yann Le
Hohlfeld, Julius
Gorchon, Jon
Malinowski, Grégory
Mangin, Stéphane
Lacour, Daniel
Hauet, Thomas
Hehn, Michel
contents We investigate the magnetization reversal process induced by a single femtosecond laser pulse in ferromagnetic spin valves by systematically comparing reference layers composed of pure Co, Ni, and Fe. To circumvent the loss of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy associated with changes in reference layer material and thickness, we design spin valves with in plane magnetizations. While antiparallel to parallel switching is observed for all three elements, parallel to antiparallel switching occurs only with a Co reference layer and is absent with Ni and Fe. This difference is attributed to the distinct ultrafast magnetization dynamics of the reference materials. Our results support the hypothesis that parallel to antiparallel switching requires a rapid remagnetization of the reference layer, which generates a substantial negative spin current polarized opposite to the free layer magnetization an essential condition for triggering its reversal.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2508_21234
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Exploring Co, Fe, and Ni Reference Layers for Single-Pulse All-Optical Reversal in Ferromagnetic Spin Valves
Lin, Jun-Xiao
Guen, Yann Le
Hohlfeld, Julius
Gorchon, Jon
Malinowski, Grégory
Mangin, Stéphane
Lacour, Daniel
Hauet, Thomas
Hehn, Michel
Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics
We investigate the magnetization reversal process induced by a single femtosecond laser pulse in ferromagnetic spin valves by systematically comparing reference layers composed of pure Co, Ni, and Fe. To circumvent the loss of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy associated with changes in reference layer material and thickness, we design spin valves with in plane magnetizations. While antiparallel to parallel switching is observed for all three elements, parallel to antiparallel switching occurs only with a Co reference layer and is absent with Ni and Fe. This difference is attributed to the distinct ultrafast magnetization dynamics of the reference materials. Our results support the hypothesis that parallel to antiparallel switching requires a rapid remagnetization of the reference layer, which generates a substantial negative spin current polarized opposite to the free layer magnetization an essential condition for triggering its reversal.
title Exploring Co, Fe, and Ni Reference Layers for Single-Pulse All-Optical Reversal in Ferromagnetic Spin Valves
topic Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.21234