Magnetization Switching in the GdFeCo Films with In-Plane Anisotropy via Femtosecond Laser Pulses

Ferrimagnetic rare-earth substituted metal alloys GdFeCo were shown to exhibit the phenomenon of all-optical magnetization switching via femtosecond laser pulses. All-optical magnetization switching has been comprehensively investigated in out-of-plane magnetized GdFeCo films; however, the films with the in-plane magnetic anisotropy have not yet been studied in detail. We report experimental observations of the magnetization switching of in-plane magnetized GdFeCo films by means of the femtosecond laser pulses in the presence of a small magnetic field of about 40 mu T. The switching effect has a threshold both in the applied magnetic field and in the light intensity.

Automated summary

Experimental observations of magnetization switching in in-plane magnetized GdFeCo films using femtosecond laser pulses in the presence of a small magnetic field of about 40 mu T have been reported. The switching effect has a threshold in both the applied magnetic field and the light intensity.