Spin and Orbital Symmetry Breakings Central to the Laser-Induced Ultrafast Demagnetization of Transition Metals

The role of spin and orbital rotational symmetry on the laser-induced magnetization dynamics itinerant-electron ferromagnets was theoretically investigated. ultrafast demagnetization transition metals is shown to be direct consequence fundamental breaking these conservation laws in electronic system, an effect that inherent nature spin-orbit electron-lattice interactions. A comprehensive analysis complemented by exact numerical calculations time evolution optically excited ferromagnetic ground states framework a many-body Hamiltonian. Thus, quantitative relations are established between strength interactions break symmetries scales relevant for dynamics.