Unveiling of Terahertz Emission from Ultrafast Demagnetization and the Anomalous Hall Effect in a Single Ferromagnetic Film

Abstract

Using THz emission spectroscopy, we investigate the elementary spin dynamics in ferromagnetic single-layer Fe on a sub-picosecond timescale. We demonstrate that THz radiation changes its polarity with reversal of the magnetization applied by the external magnetic field. In addition, it is found that the sign of THz polarity excited from different sides is defined by the thickness of the Fe layer and Fe/dielectric interface. Based on the thickness and symmetry dependences of THz emission, we experimentally distinguish between the two major contributions: ultrafast demagnetization and the anomalous Hall effect. Our experimental results not only enrich understanding of THz electromagnetic generation induced by femtosecond laser pulses but also provide a practical way to access laser-induced ultrafast spin dynamics in magnetic structures.