Researchers take step forward in controlling nanomagnetic materials using light and magnetism
Tohoku University researchers have observed an opto-magnetic torque approximately five times more efficient than in conventional magnets. This breakthrough could be extremely beneficial for the development of light-based spin memory and storage technologies.
Opto-magnetic torque is a method which can generate force on magnets, which can be used to change the direction of magnets by light more efficiently. By creating alloy nanofilms with up to 70% platinum dissolved in cobalt, the team discovered that the unique relativistic quantum mechanical effects of platinum significantly boost the magnetic torque.