Optical manipulation of magnetism in spin-charge-coupled correlated electron systems

Photoirradiation effects in correlated electrons coupled with localized spins are studied based on the extended double-exchange model. In particular, we examine melting of an antiferromagnetic (AFM) charge order insulating state by varying the light intensity. When intense light is irradiated, the AFM insulating characteristics are strengthened, rather than changing into the ferromagnetic metallic characteristics, which are expected from the conventional double-exchange interaction when carriers are introduced by weak light irradiation or chemical doping. This provides a principle for optically manipulating magnetism.