Abstract
By means of soft X-ray photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM), we have for the first time observed spatially and temporally resolved element-specific magnetization switching driven by circularly polarized femtosecond laser pulses. We have confirmed that the magnetization switching depending on the helicity of the circularly polarized laser occurs in the region where the spin temperature is raised appropriately. It is also found that the electronic states in the irradiated region remain unchanged even after millions magnetization reversal cycles.