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

Abstract

The spin-lattice relaxation time ${\tau }_{SL}$ 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 ${\tau }_{SL}$ 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 ${\tau }_{SL}$ in metals is essentially given by the spin-orbit induced magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy.

18 pages revtex, 5 uuencoded figures

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