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.
The study revealed that the enhancement of opto-magnetic torque was attributed to the electron orbital angular momentum generated by circularly polarized light and relativistic quantum mechanical effects.
This achievement allows for the same opto-magnetic effect to be produced with only one-fifth of the previous light intensity, paving the way for more energy-efficient opto-magnetic devices.
The findings not only provide new insights into the physics of electron orbital angular momentum in metallic magnetic materials but also contribute to the development of high-efficiency spin memory and storage technologies that use light to write information.
The research aligns with the growing interest in opto-electronic fusion technologies, combining electronic and optical technologies for next-generation applications.