Optically induced spin-dependent diffusive transport in the presence of spin-orbit interaction for all-optical magnetization reversal

Abstract: We have considered the effect of different spin-orbit interaction mechanisms on the process of demagnetization under the influence of short-pulse lasers. All-optical magnetization reversal of perpendicularly magnetized thin films can occur if there are sufficient strong spin-Hall, skew scattering, and Rashba interactions. In the presence of spin-orbit interactions, the transient charge currents provide the generation of transverse-spin currents and accumulations, which eventually exert spin-transfer torque on the magnetization. By combining the optically excited spin-dependent diffusive transport with the spin and charge currents due to skew scattering, spin-Hall, inverse spin-Hall and Rashba interactions, into a numerical model, we demonstrate a possibility of ultra-fast all-optical magnetization reversal. This understanding provokes intriguing, more in-depth experimental studies on the role of spin-orbit interaction mechanisms in optimizing structures for all-optical magnetization reversal.