The orientation of magnetic moments at the (100) surface of antiferromagnetic NiO single crystals is studied by x-ray linear magnetic dichroism in photoemission microscopy. T domains are observed terminating at the surface, with domain boundaries running mostly along in-plane [10] directions. From the detailed polarization dependence we find that the magnetic surface structure of a cleaved crystal is bulk terminated. This is in contrast to sputtered surfaces, where magnetic moments lie within the surface plane, forming a magnetically relaxed structure. These findings are of importance for understanding the exchange bias phenomenon.

We describe concept, design, and performance of a novel spin polarimeter based on spin-dependent specular reflection of electrons from a Fe(100) surface. The Fe surface is prepared as an ultrathin film on Ag(100). By tuning the energy of the electrons to a critical point in the Fe band structure, a large spin asymmetry combined with a large scattering efficiency is achieved. The polarimeter yields a figure of merit up to 10−2 for the best Fe(100) surfaces.

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The linear dichroism in the 2p photoelectron spectra of free Cr atoms and Cr atoms bound to an Fe surface has been determined. The spectra of free laser-oriented atoms are compared to Hartree-Fock calculations and the corresponding spectra of magnetized surface layers. The importance of satellites and of the 2p-3d Coulomb interaction in the final ionic state is demonstrated in both cases.