  We utilize ultrafast photoexcitation to drive coherent lattice oscillations
in the layered ferrimagnetic crystal Mn3Si2Te6, which significantly stiffen
below the magnetic ordering temperature. We suggest that this is due to an
exchange-mediated contraction of the lattice, stemming from strong
magneto-structural coupling in this material. Additionally, simulations of the
transient incoherent dynamics reveal the importance of spin relaxation channels
mediated by optical and acoustic phonon scattering. Our findings highlight the
importance of spin-lattice coupling in van der Waals magnets and a promising
route for their dynamic optical control through their intertwined electronic,
lattice, and spin degrees of freedom.
