Single-shot studies of a Co/Pd thin film's magnetic nano-domain structure using ultrafast x-ray scattering

Understanding ultrafast dynamics of nanoscale objects is an important challenge in nanoscience and technology. Their investigation relies on the availability of ultrafast probe techniques capable of combining femtosecond time resolution with nanometer spatial resolution. Such experiments benefit greatly from the recent advent of x-ray free electron laser facilities. The extreme intensity of their short femtosecond x-ray pulses enables ultrafast snapshot characterization with nanoscale spatial resolution. Here, we demonstrate that such experiments are not uniquely limited to large-scale facilities, but that they can also be realized using high harmonics from a table-top femtosecond laser system. To do so, we have employed resonant magnetic x-ray scattering of a single 20 fs short XUV laser-harmonic pulse to characterize the nanometer sized magnetic domain structure of Co/Pd thin film. Moreover, the technique being element specific, we have looked at the domain structure within each of the two layer types by selecting harmonics resonant with the Co M₃ (60 eV) and the Pd N₃ (51 eV) edge, respectively.