An inverse Faraday effect generated by linearly polarized light through a plasmonic nano-antenna

Abstract The inverse Faraday effect (IFE) generates magnetic fields by optical excitation only. Since its discovery in the 60 s, it was believed that only circular polarizations could magnetize matter this magneto-optical phenomenon. Here, we demonstrate generation of an IFE via a linear polarization light. This new physical concept results from local manipulation light plasmonic nano-antenna. We gold nanorod excited non-zero when incident is not parallel to long axis rod. show dissymmetry hot spots non-vanishing spin densities (local elliptical state), introducing super light, allowing magnetization. Moreover, varying angle with respect nano-antenna, on-demand flipping field orientation. Finally, 25 times stronger than nanoparticle classical IFE. Because all-optical character, light–matter interaction opens way ultrafast nanomanipulation processes such as domain reversal, skyrmions, dichroism, control spin, currents, and waves, among others.