Ultrafast Laser Study and Modification of Anisotropy

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Ultrafast Laser Study and Modification of
Anisotropy in Ferromagnetic Thin Films
Anne Reilly, College of William and Mary, DMR
0605661
Designing magnetic materials with high anisotropy
for ultrafast switching
This collaborative work involves the growth and
study of designed materials with high magnetic
anisotropy (critical for data storage
applications). Ultrafast laser studies, which can
measure magnetization dynamics on a real time
scale, are used to measure anisotropy constants
of the designed materials. The permanent
modification of anisotropy via ultrafast laser
pulses is also being explored.
Fits of ultrafast magnetization oscillation
frequencies of epitaxial Ni on MgO with modified
Landau Lifshitz Gilbert equation as a function of
applied field strength (left) and orientation
angle (right). The fits provide values for cubic
and unaxial anistropy.
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Ultrafast Laser Study and Modification of
Anisotropy in Ferromagnetic Thin Films
Anne Reilly, College of William and Mary, DMR
0605661
Societal Impact Answering questions on how fast
magnetism can be manipulated and studied will
have great impact on magnetic sensor design and
computer technology.
Education Two graduate students are receiving
training in magnetic material growth and
characterization and ultrafast laser techniques.
The group also has a history of significant
undergraduate involvement in research.
Two students adjust the laser experiment at
William and Mary