New information on the ultrafast atomic response of iron-platinum nanoparticles to laser light could help researchers develop ways to manipulate and control next-generation magnetic data storage devices with light. The data were obtained with a unique combination of SLAC’s Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) X-ray laser and instrument for ultrafast electron diffraction (UED).

Image of iron-platinum nanoparticles taken with a scanning transmission electron microscope.

Intensity pattern on a detector created by X-rays (left) and electrons that have passed through a sample of iron-platinum nanoparticles. The X-ray data reveal information about the sample’s magnetic state, and the electron data provide details of the atomic structure.