Recent research conducted by the Hebrew University has revealed a previously unknown connection between light and magnetism. This discovery paved the way for the development of light-controlled ultrafast memory technology as well as pioneering sensors capable of detecting optomagnetic components. This advancement is expected to transform data storage practices and device manufacturing across multiple sectors.
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Professor Amir Capua, Head of the Spintronics Laboratory at the Institute of Applied Physics and Electrical Engineering at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, announced a key breakthrough in the field of optical-magnetic interactions. The team's unexpected discovery reveals a mechanism in which optical laser beams control the magnetic state in solids, promising practical applications in various industries.
This breakthrough marks a paradigm shift in our understanding of the interaction between light and magnetic materials," Professor Capua said. "It paves the way for optically controlled high-speed memory technology, in particular magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) and innovative optical sensor development. In fact, this discovery marks a major leap forward in our understanding of optomagnetic dynamics.
The study challenges conventional thinking by revealing the overlooked magnetic aspects of light, which often receive less attention due to the slower response speed of magnets compared to the fast behavior of light radiation. Through their research, the team unlocked a new understanding: the magnetic component of a rapidly oscillating light wave has the ability to control magnets, redefining the principle of physical relationships. Interestingly, the fundamental mathematical relationships that describe the intensity of the interaction were determined, and the amplitude and frequency of the photomagnetic field were linked to the energy absorption of the magnetic material.
This momentous discovery is closely linked to the field of quantum technology, which skillfully combines the principles of quantum computing and quantum optics, which almost never overlap in the scientific community. The interaction of magnetic materials with radiation in perfect equilibrium has been widely recognized. However, our understanding of this imbalance is still very limited. This non-equilibrium state is at the heart of quantum optics and quantum computing technology. By studying this non-equilibrium state in magnetic materials in depth, and drawing on the principles of quantum physics, we have been able to deepen our understanding of the interaction between magnets and light. This interaction proved to be very important and efficient. "Our findings are able to explain the results of various experiments that have been reported over the past 2-3 years. Capua explained.
The implications of this discovery are far-reaching, especially in the field of data recording using light and nanomagnets. "It heralds the realization of ultra-fast and energy-efficient optically controlled MRAM, as well as a huge shift in information storage and processing in different departments. Professor Capua added. At the same time, the team developed a dedicated sensor capable of detecting the optical-magnetic part. This cutting-edge design offers greater versatility and integration than traditional sensors, and is expected to revolutionize the design of sensors and circuits for light in a variety of applications. The research was led by Mr. Benjamin Assouline, a PhD student in the Spintronics Laboratory, who played a crucial role in this breakthrough discovery. To realize the full potential of this breakthrough, the team has applied for several related patents. Reference: Benjamin Assouline and Amir Capua, January 3, 2024, "Helix-dependent optical control of the magnetization state of the Landau-Lif***Z-Gilbert equation**" in the journal Physical Review Research.
doi： 10.1103/physrevresearch.6.013012
The research was supported by the Israel Society for Science**, the Peter Brojde Center for Innovative Engineering and Computer Science, and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.