Ultrafast nonthermal spin dynamics in magnetoplasmonic nanomaterials

Photonics represents a great promise in overcoming the fundamental limits of electronics, since light is at the same time much faster and less dissipative, and can be manipulated on size scales reaching the atomic limit.

In this framework, magnetoplasmonic nanomaterials, which combine magnetic and optical properties, are among the best candidates to carry, transfer and process information at optical frequencies (much faster) by minimizing energy consumption (less dissipative).

Nevertheless, our knowledge of non-dissipative magnetic phenomena and ultrafast light-matter interactions in magnetoplasmonic nanomaterials is extremely limited.

In this project we aim to (i) unveil nanoscale plasmon-driven nonthermal (sub-100 fs) magnetization dynamics in nanomaterials supporting both plasmonic and magnetic properties through (ii) the realization of a state-of-the art pump-probe spectroscopy setup enabling to use visible and near-infrared sub-10 fs light pulses to excite and observe plasmon dephasing effects on magnetic processes on the nanoscale, and by (iii) the design and fabrication of magnetoplasmonic nanostructures, as well as their optical and magnetic properties modelling.

The successful achievement of these three aims will disclose novel light-matter interaction mechanisms in magnetoplasmonic nanostructures, which will have a disruptive impact on forthcoming light-driven technologies, enabling low-dissipative and faster information processing.