Distortion-Free Zeeman Torque Sampling for Detecting Terahertz Magnetic Field Pulse

Abstract Strong-field terahertz (THz) radiation holds significant potential in non-equilibrium state manipulation, electron acceleration, and biomedical effects. However, distortion-free detection of strong-field THz waveforms remains an essential challenge in THz science and technology. To address this issue, we propose a ferromagnetic detection scheme based on Zeeman torque sampling, achieving distortion-free strong-field THz waveform detection in Py films. Thickness-dependent characterization (3–21 nm) identifies peak detection performance at 21 nm within the investigated range. Furthermore, by structurally engineering the Py ferromagnetic layer, we demonstrate strong-field THz detection in symmetric Ta(3 nm)/Py(9 nm)/Ta(3 nm) heterostructure while simultaneously resolving Zeeman torque responses and collective spin-wave dynamics in asymmetric W(4 nm)/Py(9 nm)/Pt(2 nm) heterostructure. We calculated spin wave excitations and spin orbit torque distributions in asymmetric heterostructures, along with spin wave excitations in symmetric modes. This approach overcomes the sensitivity limitations of conventional techniques in strong-field conditions.