Time-Domain Study of Magnetization Dynamics in Magnetic Thin Films and Micro- and Nanostructures

Abstract

The research in magnetization dynamics has growing interest which is driven by both fundamental quests and technological demands. Ultrafast dynamics of magnetization provide important information about the material or device properties. It also poses challenges to investigate dynamics down to femtosecond time scale with nm spatial resolution. Time- and space-resolved magneto-optical Kerr microscopy is a very powerful technique to probe ultrafast responses in the time domain. A brief theoretical background of magnetization dynamics and the measurement technique have been introduced. Evolutions of this rapidly emerging technique and its applications in thin films, multilayers to magnetic micro- and nanostructures have been discussed. In this respect several pioneering works have been introduced and explained.