Electromagnetic surface wave induced magnetic anisotropy

Femtosecond laser induced electromagnetic surface waves, supported by a gold overlayer on top of a magnetic iron garnet (IG) single-crystalline film, are demonstrated to induce a change in the magnetic anisotropy of the IG. This effect is found to be similar to the previously reported photo-induced magnetic anisotropy in this material. However, its dependence on the polarization of the light and orientation of the magnetization is found to be different. This electromagnetic surface wave control of the spins opens new interesting possibilities for all-optical ultrafast control of the magnetization at a nanometre length scale.