Magnetization reversal in the picosecond range measured with time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect

We have performed time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect measurements with picosecond resolution in a pump-probe experiment using a 30 ps pulsed dye laser (lambda=577 nm); Two typical magneto-optical storage materials were investigated: a Gd13Tb12Fe75 amorphous film evaporated on a glass substrate and a Co/Pt multilayer on a Si substrate. Curie-point thermomagnetic writing has been performed in less than 2 ns with the Co/Pt multilayer, whereas with the amorphous film magnetization reversal could not be observed within 6 ns. These differences in switching times are likely the consequence of the different thermal conductivities of the substrates. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.