Ultrafast magnetization dynamics in half-metallic Co2FeAl Heusler alloy

• We report on optically induced, ultrafast magnetization dynamics in the Heusler alloy Co2FeAl,probed by time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect. Experimental results are compared to resultsfrom electronic structure theory and atomistic spin-dynamics simulations. Experimentally, we findthat the demagnetization time (τM) in films of Co2FeAl is almost independent of varying structuralorder, and that it is similar to that in elemental 3d ferromagnets. In contrast, the slower processof magnetization recovery, specified byτR, is found to occur on picosecond time scales, and isdemonstrated to correlate strongly with the Gilbert damping parameter (α). Our results showthat Co2FeAl is unique, in that it is the first material that clearly demonstrates the importance ofthe damping parameter in the remagnetization process. Based on these results we argue that for Co2FeAl the remagnetization process is dominated by magnon dynamics, something which mighthave general applicabilit

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik -- Den kondenserade materiens fysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences -- Condensed Matter Physics (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Half metallic

Magnetization dynamics

Damping

Structural ordering

Publikations- och innehållstyp

pop (ämneskategori)

ovr (ämneskategori)