Ultrafast high-harmonic nanoscopy of magnetization dynamics

Sergey Zayko (), Ofer Kfir, Michael Heigl, Michael Lohmann, Murat Sivis, Manfred Albrecht and Claus Ropers
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Sergey Zayko: University of Göttingen
Ofer Kfir: University of Göttingen
Michael Heigl: University of Augsburg
Michael Lohmann: University of Göttingen
Murat Sivis: University of Göttingen
Manfred Albrecht: University of Augsburg
Claus Ropers: University of Göttingen

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract Light-induced magnetization changes, such as all-optical switching, skyrmion nucleation, and intersite spin transfer, unfold on temporal and spatial scales down to femtoseconds and nanometers, respectively. Pump-probe spectroscopy and diffraction studies indicate that spatio-temporal dynamics may drastically affect the non-equilibrium magnetic evolution. Yet, direct real-space magnetic imaging on the relevant timescales has remained challenging. Here, we demonstrate ultrafast high-harmonic nanoscopy employing circularly polarized high-harmonic radiation for real-space imaging of femtosecond magnetization dynamics. We map quenched magnetic domains and localized spin structures in Co/Pd multilayers with a sub-wavelength spatial resolution down to 16 nm, and strobosocopically trace the local magnetization dynamics with 40 fs temporal resolution. Our compact experimental setup demonstrates the highest spatio-temporal resolution of magneto-optical imaging to date. Facilitating ultrafast imaging with high sensitivity to chiral and linear dichroism, we envisage a wide range of applications spanning magnetism, phase transitions, and carrier dynamics.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26594-0

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