Ultrafast laser switching of nanoscopic magnetic configurations

In a recent article published in Communications Materials, co-authored by Dr. Charilaou from UL Lafayette's Department of Physics, new fascinating discoveries are described. The researchers found a way to control nanoscopic magnetic structures, called skyrmions, using very fast laser pulses at room temperature without needing big magnets or electric currents. This is important because skyrmions could be used for data storage and advanced computing. In their experiment, they used advanced electron microscopes to see how these skyrmions change when hit with laser light. They discovered that the lasers can switch the "twist" or direction of some parts of the skyrmions, while other parts stay the same. They also observed how different types of skyrmions can change into each other depending on the magnetic environment and light. To better understand these observations, the researchers used computer simulations to show how the skyrmions reconfigure when struck by the laser pulses. This research opens new ways to control magnetic information using light. You can access the paper here.