All-optically configuring the inverse Faraday effect for nanoscale perpendicular magnetic recording.

Nanoscale reversal of the longitudinal magnetization (Mz) is highly desired in the ultrahigh density perpendicular magnetic recording. In this paper, an all-optical method to realize the reversal of Mz with an ultrasmall lateral size through configuring the inverse Faraday effect (IFE) is numerically proposed. This feature is achieved by optical coherent configuration of the IFE in the central and peripheral regions of the focal spot with opposite signs. By increasing the intensity of the peripheral regions to produce destructive interference, the lateral size of the reversed Mz smaller than 30 nm in one dimension in the central region can be achieved. This result is of vital importance for realizing ultrafast nanoscale perpendicular magnetic recording.