Spin-Polarized Low Energy Electron Microscopy

Abstract

We present the concept and recent developments of spin-polarized low energy electron microscopy. A detailed discussion addresses the questions of magnetic resolution and the image acquisition rate. Examples of recent experiments illustrating the possibilities of the present instrumental setup are given.

Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy of Co/Pd(111) Studied by Spin-Resolved Photoelectron Spectroscopy

“…2,3) So far, thin films and multilayers of Co/Pd, Co/Pt and Co/Au systems have been studied intensively because their PMA has been considered as a basis of developing future magnetic data-storage devices. [4][5][6][7][8][9] In the systems, the PMA of Co films is known as a phenomenon that the direction of the easy magnetization axis changes from perpendicular to parallel to the surface at a certain Co thickness as the film thickness increases. However, the microscopic origins of the PMA have not been understood completely.…”

Magnetic Bistability of Co Nanodots

“…For each temperature, we continuously monitor both the growth and the magnetic structure of the dots as a function of the Co dosage with SPLEEM, using an acquisition rate of 1 frame=s [where 60 frames correspond to 1 monolayer (ML)]. We outline features of the SPLEEM techniques that are useful in our study below [14]. A beam of spin-polarized, low-energy electrons is backscattered at the sample surface and is collected to form images.…”

Spin polarization of field‐emitted electrons from ferromagnetic half‐metallic Heusler alloy Co2MnSi

“…Nowadays, the demand of spin polarized electron beam is increasing in the field of condensed matter and high-energy physics. For these purpose, a GaAs photocathode is usually used, [3] whereas the severe vacuum condition is necessary for stable emission and a long lifetime. [4] Heusler alloys are predicted to have perfect spin polarization at Fermi level, i.e.…”