Eur. Phys. J. B (2016) 89: 10
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjb/e2015-60565-7

Regular Article

Coupled dynamics of magnetic spin and the Stokes parameters

Control of magnetization by polarized light

¹ Department of Physics, Ritsumeikan University-BKC, Noji-Hill, 525-8577 Kusatsu City, Japan
² Department of Electric and Electron Engineering, Ritsumeikan University-BKC Noji-Hill, 525-8577 Kusatsu City, Japan

^a e-mail: kra@se.ritsumei.ac.jp

Received: 14 July 2015
Published online: 13 January 2016

Abstract

A simple theoretical model is presented for the motion of a magnetic spin induced by polarized light. The model is analyzed by considering a coupled equation for two kinds of spin; the magnetic spin and optical spin (the Stokes parameters). The coupling between two spins is called Faraday coupling. The motion of magnetic spin shows inversion as a result of the structural change, which can be controlled by the ellipticity of the polarized light (the third component of the Stokes parameters). The motion of the Stokes parameters is also described as a reaction from the magnetic spin, by which the motion of magnetic spin could be monitored by ellipsometory. The present model may provide a basis for optical control of a magnetic micro-particle.