Light-induced magnetization reversal of high-anisotropy TbCo alloy films

Abstract

Magnetization reversal using circularly polarized light provides a way to control magnetization without any external magnetic field and has the potential to revolutionize magnetic data storage. However, in order to reach ultra-high density data storage, high anisotropy media providing thermal stability are needed. Here, we evidence all-optical magnetization switching for different TbxCo1−x ferrimagnetic alloy compositions using fs- and ps-laser pulses and demonstrate all-optical switching for films with anisotropy fields reaching 6 T corresponding to anisotropy constants of 3 × 106 ergs/cm3. Optical magnetization switching is observed only for alloy compositions where the compensation temperature can be reached through sample heating.