Fs magnetization dynamics of nanostructures probed by spin-polarized photoelectron emission microscopy (Fs-PEEM) and fs x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (Fs-XMCD)

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Magneto-electronics is one of the emerging ares of information technology with a large potential for future expansion. In magneto-electronic devices the spin dependent charge transport properties, such as the magneto-resistance, are used for information processing, data storage and sensor applications. Non-volatile data storage in such devices requires a magnetization reversal of a magnetic layer. The increasing miniaturization in non-volatile data storage devices offers the opportunity of a substantial shortening of the read/write cycles. In order to study the underlying physical phenomena and limits, it is necessary to probe the spin dynamics in nano structures on a fs time scale. We propose to do this by combining laser based fs pump-probe techniques with photo emission electron microscopy capable of nm spatial resolution. Magnetic sensitivity is achieved by analyzing the spin polarization of the emitted photo electrons. The study of magnetic nano structures and ultra thin films that are well characterized with other techniques brought together by this 'Schwerpunktprogramm' promises for the first time a comprehensive microscopic understanding of processes involving spin and electron dynamics.