Energy equilibriation processes of electrons, magnons and phonons on the femtosecond timescale

Abstract

By means of time-resolved Kerr spectroscopy experiments we relate the energy dissipation processes on the femtosecond (electron-spin relaxation time $τ_{el-sp}$) and nanosecond timescale (Gilbert relaxation $τ_α$) and compare the results to the first microscopic model, which was proposed by Koopmans. For both energy dissipation processes, Elliot-Yafet scattering is proposed as the dominant contributor. We controllably manipulate the energy dissipation processes by transition metal doping (Pd) and rare earth doping (Dy) of a Permalloy film and find that while a change of $τ_α$ of more than a factor two is observed, τ_{el-sp}$ remains constant, contrary to the predictions of the model. We explain the discrepancies by relaxation channels not considered in the original microscopic model and identify thereby the applicability of the model and possible necessary extensions to the model.