  All-optical ferromagnetic resonance (AO-FMR) is a powerful tool for local
detection of micromagnetic parameters, such as magnetic anisotropy, Gilbert
damping or spin stiffness. In this work we demonstrate that the AO-FMR method
can be used in thin films of Yttrium Iron Garnet (YIG) if a metallic capping
layer (Au, Pt) is deposited on top of the film. Magnetization precession is
triggered by heating of the metallic layer with femtosecond laser pulses. The
heating modifies the magneto-crystalline anisotropy of the YIG film and shifts
the quasi-equilibrium orientation of magnetization, which results in
precessional magnetization dynamics. The laser-induced magnetization precession
corresponds to a uniform (Kittel) magnon mode, with the precession frequency
determined by the magnetic anisotropy of the material as well as the external
magnetic field, and the damping time set by a Gilbert damping parameter. The
AO-FMR method thus enables measuring local magnetic properties, with spatial
resolution given only by the laser spot size.
