Abstract
Using femtosecond time-resolved resonant magnetic x-ray diffraction at the Ho L<sub>3</sub> absorption edge, we investigate the demagnetization dynamics in antiferromagnetically ordered metallic Ho after femtosecond optical excitation. Tuning the x-ray energy to the electric dipole (E1, 2p -> 5d) or quadrupole (E2, 2p -> 4f) transition allows us to selectively and independently study the spin dynamics of the itinerant 5d and localized 4f electronic subsystems via the suppression of the magnetic (2 1 3-tau ) satellite peak. We find demagnetization timescales very similar to ferromagnetic 4f systems, suggesting that the loss of magnetic order occurs via a similar spin-flip process in both cases. The simultaneous demagnetization of both subsystems demonstrates strong intra-atomic 4f-5d exchange coupling. In addition, an ultrafast lattice contraction due to the release of magnetostriction leads to a transient shift of the magnetic satellite peak. Show more
Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
arXivPages / Article No.
Publisher
Cornell UniversityOrganisational unit
03920 - Johnson, Steven / Johnson, Steven
Related publications and datasets
Is previous version of: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11850/118299
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