Metropolis Monte Carlo analysis of all-optical switching

This paper deals with Metropolis Monte Carlo analysis of the all-optical switching. The laser-induced magnetization dynamics with various laser pulse fluencies and durations are followed by analysis of probable transitions occurred in the sample. The calibration of Monte Carlo steps with physical time was performed by comparison with a reference dynamics described by Landau–Lifshitz–Bloch equation. For an accurate description it was necessary to consider a four-temperature model by analyzing the dynamics of electrons, spins, lattice and environment temperatures. All-optical switching conditions were synthesized in a phase diagram that outlines switching and non-switching regions as well as an unpredictable switching region. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.