We propose and analyze a theoretical model of ultrafast light-induced magnetization dynamics in systems of localized spins that are coupled to carriers’ spins by $sp\text{−}d$ exchange interaction. A prominent example of a class of materials falling into this category are ferromagnetic (III, Mn)V semiconductors, in which ultrafast demagnetization has been recently observed. In the proposed model, light excitation heats up the population of carriers, taking it out of equilibrium with the localized spins. This triggers the process of energy and angular momentum exchange between the two spin systems, which lasts for the duration of the energy relaxation of the carriers. We derive the master equation for the density matrix of a localized spin interacting with the hot carriers and couple it with a phenomenological treatment of the carrier dynamics. We develop a general theory within the $sp\text{−}d$ model and we apply it to the ferromagnetic semiconductors, taking into account the valence band structure of these materials. We show that the fast spin relaxation of the carriers can sustain the flow of polarization between the localized and itinerant spins leading to significant demagnetization of the localized spin system, observed in (III, Mn)V materials.

• Received 1 March 2007
• Accepted 30 April 2007

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.76.045205