  We present a theory for the coherent magnetization dynamics induced by a
focused ultrafast laser beam in magnetic films, taking into account nonthermal
(inverse Faraday effect) and thermal (heating) actuation. The dynamic
conversion between spin waves and phonons is induced by the magnetoelastic
coupling that allows efficient propagation of angular momentum. The anisotropy
of the magnetoelastic coupling renders characteristic angle dependences of the
magnetization propa-gation that are strikingly different for thermal and
nonthermal actuation.
