Writing and reading of an arbitrary optical polarization state in an antiferromagnet

Satoh T, Iida R, Higuchi T, Fiebig M, Shimura T (2014)

Publication Type: Journal article, Letter

Publication year: 2014

Journal

Nature Photonics Nature Publishing Group

Book Volume: 9

Pages Range: 25–29

DOI: 10.1038/nphoton.2014.273

Abstract

The interaction between light and magnetism is considered a promising route to the development of energy-efficient data storage technologies. To date, however, ultrafast optical magnetization control has been limited to a binary process, whereby light in either of two polarization states generates (writes) or adopts (reads) a magnetic bit carrying either a positive or negative magnetization. Here, we report how the fundamental limitation of just two states can be overcome, allowing an arbitrary optical polarization state to be written magnetically. The effect is demonstrated using a three-sublattice antiferromagnet—hexagonal YMnO3. Its three magnetic oscillation eigenmodes are selectively excited by the three polarization eigenstates of the light. The magnetic oscillation state is then transferred back into the polarization state of an optical probe pulse, thus completing an arbitrary optomagnonic write–read cycle.

Authors with CRIS profile

Takuya Higuchi Lehrstuhl für Laserphysik

Involved external institutions

Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich (ETHZ) / Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich CH Switzerland (CH) Kyushu University / 九州大学 JP Japan (JP) University of Tokyo JP Japan (JP)

How to cite

APA:

Satoh, T., Iida, R., Higuchi, T., Fiebig, M., & Shimura, T. (2014). Writing and reading of an arbitrary optical polarization state in an antiferromagnet. Nature Photonics, 9, 25–29. https://doi.org/10.1038/nphoton.2014.273

MLA:

Satoh, Takuya, et al. "Writing and reading of an arbitrary optical polarization state in an antiferromagnet." Nature Photonics 9 (2014): 25–29.

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