Ultrafast control of spin dynamics via phonons in ultrathin insulating magnets

Femtosecond laser pulses provide a unique route to control magnetism on ultrafast timescales. By carefully tuning the energy of optical excitation, it becomes possible to selectively address specific degrees of freedom in condensed matter—such as lattice vibrations, spin, or electronic states. These excitations can, in turn, couple to the magnetization, enabling highly efficient spin control with minimal energy dissipation. This PhD project aims to harness optically induced strain waves and coherent phonons to manipulate spin dynamics and ultimately achieve magnetization reversal in ultrathin magnetic garnets.