Single laser pulse induced magnetization switching in in-plane magnetized GdCo alloys

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

The discovery of all-optical ultrafast deterministic magnetization switching has opened up new possibilities for manipulating magnetization in devices using femtosecond laser pulses. Previous studies on single pulse all-optical helicity-independent switching (AO-HIS) have mainly focused on perpendicularly magnetized thin films. This work presents a comprehensive study on AO-HIS for in-plane magnetized GdₓCo_100-x thin films. Deterministic single femtosecond laser pulse toggle magnetization switching is demonstrated in a wider concentration range (x=10-25%) compared to the perpendicularly magnetized counterparts with GdCo thicknesses up to 30 nm. The switching time strongly depends on the GdₓCo_100-x concentration, with lower Gd concentration exhibiting shorter switching times (less than 500 fs). Our findings in this geometry provide insights into the underlying mechanisms governing single pulse AO-HIS, which challenge existing theoretical predictions. Moreover, in-plane magnetized GdₓCo_100-x thin films offer extended potential for optospintronic applications compared to their perpendicular magnetized counterparts.