Open AccessSub-15-fs X-ray pump and X-ray probe experiment for the study of ultrafast magnetization dynamics in ferromagnetic alloys
Author(s) -
Xuan Liu,
Alaaeldine Merhe,
Emmanuelle Jal,
Renaud Delaunay,
Romain Jarrier,
Valentin Chardonnet,
Marcel Hennes,
S. G. Chiuzbăian,
Katherine Légaré,
M. Hennecke,
Ilie Radu,
Clemens von Korff Schmising,
Særen Grunewald,
Marion Kuhlmann,
J. Lüning,
Boris Vodungbo
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.430828
Subject(s) - permalloy , kerr effect , optics , ultrashort pulse , magnetization dynamics , ferromagnetism , materials science , magnetization , demagnetizing field , faraday effect , magneto optic kerr effect , laser , condensed matter physics , physics , magnetic field , nonlinear system , quantum mechanics
In this paper, we present a new setup for the measurement of element-specific ultrafast magnetization dynamics in ferromagnetic thin films with a sub-15-fs time resolution. Our experiment relies on a split and delay approach which allows us to fully exploit the shortest X-rays pulses delivered by X-ray Free Electrons Lasers (close to the attosecond range), in an X-ray pump - X-ray probe geometry. The setup performance is demonstrated by measuring the ultrafast elemental response of Ni and Fe during demagnetization of ferromagnetic Ni and Ni 80 Fe 20 (Permalloy) samples upon resonant excitation at the corresponding absorption edges. The transient demagnetization process is measured in both reflection and transmission geometry using, respectively, the transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect (T-MOKE) and the Faraday effect as probing mechanisms.