In a first, rare earth metals’ magnetic properties changed using X-ray lasers
Physicists have long held the belief that altering the magnetic properties of rare earth elements is unattainable.
Physicists have long believed that it is impossible to alter the magnetic properties of rare earth elements. However, for the first time, a new study shows that laser pulses have the power to excite electrons that govern the magnetism of rare earth materials.
These findings can lead to the development of better, faster, and more energy-efficient data storage devices in the future.
The study authors achieved this feat using two powerful X-ray lasers, EuXFEL (European X-ray Free-Electron Laser) and FLASH (Free-Electron Laser in Hamburg). Both lasers are located in Hamburg, Germany, and are capable of producing ultrashort X-ray pulses.