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Simple theory for spin-lattice relaxation in metallic rare earth ferromagnets

W. Hübner, K. H. Bennemann

cond-matarXiv:cond-mat/9508120

Abstract

The spin-lattice relaxation time τSL is a key quantity both for the dynamical response of ferromagnets excited by laser pulses and as the speed limit of magneto-optical recording. Extending the theory for the electron paramagnetic resonance of magnetic impurities to spin-lattice relaxation in ferromagnetic rare earths we calculate τSL for Gd and find a value of 48 ps in very good agreement with time-resolved spin-polarized photoemission experiments. We argue that the time scale for τSL in metals is essentially given by the spin-orbit induced magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy.

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