Determination of Sub-ps Lattice Dynamics in FeRh Thin Films

Overview

Journal Sci Rep

Specialty Science

Date 2022 May 20

PMID 35595862

Authors

Michael Grimes

Hiroki Ueda

Dmitry Ozerov

Federico Pressacco

Sergii Parchenko

Andreas Apseros

Markus Scholz

Yuya Kubota

Tadashi Togashi

Yoshikazu Tanaka

Laura Heyderman

Thomas Thomson

Valerio Scagnoli

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Understanding the ultrashort time scale structural dynamics of the FeRh metamagnetic phase transition is a key element in developing a complete explanation of the mechanism driving the evolution from an antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic state. Using an X-ray free electron laser we determine, with sub-ps time resolution, the time evolution of the (-101) lattice diffraction peak following excitation using a 35 fs laser pulse. The dynamics at higher laser fluence indicates the existence of a transient lattice state distinct from the high temperature ferromagnetic phase. By extracting the lattice temperature and comparing it with values obtained in a quasi-static diffraction measurement, we estimate the electron-phonon coupling in FeRh thin films as a function of laser excitation fluence. A model is presented which demonstrates that the transient state is paramagnetic and can be reached by a subset of the phonon bands. A complete description of the FeRh structural dynamics requires consideration of coupling strength variation across the phonon frequencies.

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