Terahertz light–driven coupling of antiferromagnetic spins to lattice

Abstract

Coupling up of spins and lattice The development of spintronics and magnetic data storage relies on understanding and controlling the dynamics of magnetic excitations within a material. Of crucial importance for practical applications is how fast the magnetization can be switched. Mashkovich et al . report the use of ultrafast terahertz radiation to create magnon excitations in the antiferromagnet cobalt difluoride that can then be coupled with phonon excitations (see the Perspective by Juraschek and Narang). Using light to control coupling between the spins and the lattice provides a route to manipulate magnetization in antiferromagnetic materials on ultrafast time scales. —ISO