Is the angular momentum of a ferromagnetic sample after exposure to a fs laser pulse conserved?

In the theories of fs demagnetization of a ferromagnetic sample after exposure to a fs laser pulse it is assumed that the angular momentum of the sample is conserved. It is shown that this is not strictly valid. However, it is argued that the effect of the deviations from strict angular momentum conservation is very small. - Highlights: • Theory of fs-demagnetization after laser pulse excitation. • Angular momentum transfer out of the electronic spin system. • Non-isolated system, non-central forces, angular momentum conservation