Researchers create exotic magnetic structures with laser light

Research at Lund University in Sweden has found a new way to create nano-sized magnetic particles using ultrafast laser light pulses. The discovery could pave the way for new and more energy-efficient technical components and become useful in the quantum computers of the future.

Magnetic skyrmions are sometimes described as magnetic vortices. Unlike ferromagnetic states - which occur in conventional magnets such as compasses and refrigerator magnets - the skyrmion state is quite peculiar: the orientation of the magnetization does not point in the same direction everywhere in the material, but is instead best described as a kind of swirling magnetism.

Skyrmions are of great interest to both basic research and industry, as they can be used to manufacture more compact computer memories. However, that is easier said than done. Using skyrmions for technical purposes requires efficient ways of writing, erasing and manipulating the particles on short time scales, and with high spatial precision.

In a new study, researchers Claudio Verdozzi from Lund University and Emil Vinas Bostrom and Angel Rubio from the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter in Hamburg have found a new approach.

"In our study, we have theoretically shown how it is possible to meet one of these requirements, that is, how to create magnetic skyrmions in ultra-short time scales using pulses of laser light", says Claudio Verdozzi, physics researcher at Lund University.

The research team has identified a microscopic mechanism that explains an experimental protocol that has been shown to be useful in creating the strange skyrmions. Using femtosecond laser pulses - light pulses that last one millionth of a billionth of a second - the researchers showed that it is possible to create skyrmions ultra-fast.

"Our results are of great relevance to creating more energy-efficient technical components. Our study shows that light can be used to manipulate localized magnetic excitations in very short time scales", says Claudio Verdozzi.

There are a number of applications that the new discovery can lead to, including quantum technology - an area where quantum mechanical properties are used to solve extremely advanced calculations that traditional computers cannot handle. Magnetic excitations such as skyrmions and so-called spin waves are also believed to be able to help reduce energy consumption in technological components, and can thus help to achieve future climate goals.

"Skyrmions are in focus for both theoretical and experimental research thanks to their technological potential. Also, their exotic magnetic patterns possess a conceptually and mathematically beautiful appeal that makes them very interesting", concludes Claudio Verdozzi.

Research Report:Microscopic theory of light-induced ultrafast skyrmion excitation in transition metal films

Related Links
Lund University
Space Technology News - Applications and Research

Tweet

Thanks for being there;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.

SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5+ Billed Monthly

paypal only

SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once

credit card or paypal

Air lasing: A new tool for atmospheric detection
Shanghai, China (SPX) Apr 25, 2022
The innovative advances in ultrafast laser technologies provide new strategies for remote sensing of atmospheric pollutants and hazardous biochemical agents. The high-energy femtosecond laser can propagate a long distance without diffraction via femtosecond laser filamentation. Besides, abundant secondary radiations, e.g., supercontinuum white light, air lasing, fluorescence, provide natural probe sources for atmospheric detection at a remote location. Particularly, the discovery and intensive inv ... read more