In this study, we explore the influence of interlayer exchange coupling on magnetization reversal triggered by femtosecond laser pulses in ferromagnetic spin valves. Our experiments, focused on femtosecond laser-induced magnetization reversal, methodically vary the thickness of the copper (Cu) spacer layer. We identify a critical Cu thickness threshold at 2.32 nm. Above this threshold, a stable reversed magnetic domain is consistently generated upon exposure to a single laser pulse. Conversely, with a Cu spacer thinner than 2.32 nm, the observed magnetization reversal from parallel (P) to anti-parallel (AP) states occurs only under continuous laser irradiation. Once the laser is stopped, the magnetic configuration relaxes back to its initial P state, influenced by ferromagnetic exchange coupling. This research enhances our understanding of the mechanisms that drive optically induced ultrafast magnetization reversal in ferromagnetic spin valves.
@article{arxiv.2311.12753,
title = {Influence of interlayer exchange coupling on ultrafast laser-induced magnetization reversal in ferromagnetic spin valves},
author = {Junta Igarashi and Yann Le Guen and Julius Hohlfeld and Stephane Mangin and Jon Gorchon and Michel Hehn and Gregory Malinowski},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2311.12753},
year = {2025}
}