Dynamical torque in CoxFe3-xO4 nano-cube thin films characterized by femtosecond magneto-optics: a π-shift control of the magnetization precession

Vomir, M., Turnbull, R., Birced, I., Parreira, P. , MacLaren, D. A. , Lee, S. L., André, P. and Bigot, J.-Y. (2016) Dynamical torque in CoxFe3-xO4 nano-cube thin films characterized by femtosecond magneto-optics: a π-shift control of the magnetization precession. Nano Letters, 16(8), pp. 5291-5297. (doi: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.6b02618)

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Abstract

For spintronic devices excited by a sudden magnetic or optical perturbation, the torque acting on the magnetization plays a key role in its precession and damping. However the torque itself can be a dynamical quantity via the time dependent anisotropies of the system. A challenging problem for applications is then to disentangle the relative importance of various sources of anisotropies in the dynamical torque, such as the dipolar field, the crystal structure or the shape of the particular interacting magnetic nanostructures. Here, we take advantage of a range of colloidal cobalt ferrite nano-cubes assembled in 2D thin films under controlled magnetic fields to demonstrate that the phase φprec of the precession carries a strong signature of the dynamical anisotropies. Performing femtosecond magneto-optics, we show that φprec displays a π-shift for a particular angle θH of an external static magnetic field H. θH is controlled with the cobalt concentration, the laser intensity as well as the inter-particles interactions. Importantly it is shown that the shape anisotropy, which strongly departs from the one of equivalent bulk thin films or individual non-interacting nanoparticles, reveals the essential role played by the interparticles collective effects. This work shows the reliability of a non-invasive optical approach to characterize the dynamical torque in high density magnetic recording media made of organized and interacting nanoparticles.

Item Type:Articles (Letter)
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:MacLaren, Professor Donald and Parreira, Dr Pedro Miguel
Authors: Vomir, M., Turnbull, R., Birced, I., Parreira, P., MacLaren, D. A., Lee, S. L., André, P., and Bigot, J.-Y.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:Nano Letters
Publisher:American Chemical Society
ISSN:1530-6984
ISSN (Online):1530-6992
Published Online:11 July 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 American Chemical Society
First Published:First published in Nano Letters 16(8):5291-5297
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License
Data DOI:/10.5525/gla.researchdata.334

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
530721Integrating advanced nanomaterials into transformative technologiesDonald MaclarenEngineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/I00419X/1P&A - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY