UCSD engineers switch thicker magnetic memory with shaped laser light

Researchers at UC San Diego demonstrated optical switching of magnetic states in a nine-layer platinum-cobalt stack by reshaping an ultrafast laser beam. The method removes the polarization requirement and could be over 1,000 times faster than switching with external magnetic fields.

• Optical switching shown in a 9-layer platinum-cobalt stack
• Earlier experiments lost the effect beyond three layers
• The approach works without a specific light polarization
• Optical switching may be 1,000x faster than magnetic fields