Bert

Abstract: Femto-magnetism is about controlling the magnetic state and the way the electron spin flows through magnetic thin film systems at down to femtosecond time scales, typically triggered by ultrashort laser pulses. In this tutorial I will provide an introduction to the intriguing phenomena for students and researchers without a specific background in this topic, and/or with interest in a more fundamental, conceptual understanding. For this reason, I will start with reviewing some of the relevant concepts in condensed matter and magnetic materials. This will serve to build up understanding of simple model-based explanations of the complex light- and heat-driven processes, as well as recent experimental developments. Specific processes that will be addressed are the ultrafast loss of magnetization upon fs laser heating, all-optical switching of magnetization, laser-driven spin currents, and the induced spin-transport torque. Finally, a brief outlook will be sketched of future applications, including on-chip integration of spintronics and photonics. 

Biography:

Bert Koopmans is a full professor and chair of the group Physics of Nanostructures at TU/e. His present activities are in spintronics, nanomagnetism, and ultrafast spin- and magnetization-dynamics. Key research achievements have been made in laser-induced femtosecond magnetization processes and controlling current-induced domain wall motion – in many cases combining experimental and theoretical approaches. Within the TU/e NWO Gravitation program on photonic integration, he has initiated a research program on integrated magneto-photonics, exploring future energy-efficient and versatile information technology. In 2019 he received the Educational Award for the Best TU/e Master Lecturer. In 2020 he was elected Distinguished Lecturer of the IEEE Magnetics Society.

Kazuto

Yamanoi Kazuto

Department of Physics, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan