Ultrafast lasers for conservation of heritage artefacts

Abstract The interaction between ultrafast lasers and magnetic materials is an appealing topic. It not only involves interesting fundamental questions that remain inconclusive and hence need further investigation, but also has the potential to revolutionize data storage technologies because such an opto-magnetic interaction provides an ultrafast and energy-efficient means to control magnetization. Fruitful progress has been made in this area over the past quarter century. In this paper, we review the state-of-the-art experimental and theoretical studies on magnetization dynamics and switching in ferromagnetic materials that are induced by ultrafast lasers. We start by describing the physical mechanisms of ultrafast demagnetization based on different experimental observations and theoretical methods. Both the spin-flip scattering theory and the superdiffusive spin transport model will be discussed in detail. Then, we will discuss laser-induced torques and resultant magnetization dynamics in ferromagnetic materials. Recent developments of all-optical switching (AOS) of ferromagnetic materials towards ultrafast magnetic storage and memory will also be reviewed, followed by the perspectives on the challenges and future directions in this emerging area.

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Physical mechanisms of SiNx layer structuring with ultrafast lasers by direct and confined laser ablation

Journal of Applied Physics ◽

10.1063/1.4914457 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 117 (10) ◽

pp. 105304 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

S. Rapp ◽

G. Heinrich ◽

M. Wollgarten ◽

H. P. Huber ◽

M. Schmidt

Keyword(s):

Laser Ablation ◽

Ultrafast Lasers ◽

Physical Mechanisms ◽

Sinx Layer

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Recent development of saturable absorbers for ultrafast lasers [Invited]

Chinese Optics Letters ◽

10.3788/col202119.081405 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (8) ◽

pp. 081405

Author(s):

Mengyu Zhang ◽

Hao Chen ◽

Jinde Yin ◽

Jintao Wang ◽

Jinzhang Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ultrafast Lasers ◽

Saturable Absorbers

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Practical considerations for industrial ultrafast lasers

10.1117/12.312330 ◽

1998 ◽

Author(s):

Allen K. Hankla ◽

Leigh J. Bromley ◽

Jeremy Weston

Keyword(s):

Ultrafast Lasers

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High power all fiber-based ultrafast lasers

The 8th International Symposium on Ultrafast Phenomena and Terahertz Waves ◽

10.1364/isuptw.2016.iw1c.4 ◽

2016 ◽

Author(s):

Zhenhua Yu ◽

Wei Shi ◽

Xinzheng Dong ◽

Jinhui Li ◽

Yizhu Zhao

Keyword(s):

High Power ◽

Ultrafast Lasers

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Light People: Professor John Dudley spoke about supercontinuum generation and International Day of Light

Light Science & Applications ◽

10.1038/s41377-021-00653-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Chenzi Guo

Keyword(s):

Nonlinear Optics ◽

Ultrafast Lasers ◽

Rogue Waves ◽

Supercontinuum Generation ◽

Spectral Broadening ◽

The Past

EditorialThe extreme spectral broadening of light in supercontinuum generation (SCG) is considered by many as the ultimate legacy of nonlinear optics. In this interview, Light: Science & Applications invited John Dudley [see the “Short Bio” section]—pioneer of supercontinuum generation, rogue waves, and ultrafast lasers—to share insight on how supercontinuum generation have evolved over the past decades and where it is heading. Also as the Steering Chair of UNESCO’s International Day of Light & International Year of Light (IDL & IYL), John is asked to share his comments on how light may influence post-pandemic World.

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