Ultrafast high-harmonic nanoscopy of magnetization dynamics

Light induced magnetization dynamics can be as fast as few tens of femtoseconds. Here, Zayko et al show ultrafast microscopy based on high-harmonic radiation for direct imaging of ultrafast phenomena and capture femtosecond spin dynamics at the nanoscale. 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.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates an ultrafast microscopy based on high-harmonic radiation for direct imaging of ultrafast phenomena and capturing femtosecond spin dynamics at the nanoscale. Real-space magnetic imaging allows for observation of local magnetization dynamics, with implications for studying non-equilibrium magnetic evolution. The ultrafast imaging technique provides high spatio-temporal resolution, offering potential applications in magnetism, phase transitions, and carrier dynamics.