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Spin-polarized electron scattering at single oxygen adsorbates on a magnetic surface
K von Bergmann1, M Bode, A Kubetzka
1Institute of Applied Physics and Microstructure Research Center, University of Hamburg, Jungiusstrasse 11, 20355 Hamburg, Germany. kbergman@physnet.uni-hamburg.de
Physical Review Letters
|March 6, 2004
Summary
Scanning tunneling spectroscopy reveals spin-polarized electron waves scattered by oxygen on iron. These standing waves confirm the spin-dependent nature of electron scattering on magnetic surfaces.
Area of Science:
- Surface Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Oxygen adsorption on magnetic surfaces like Fe/W(110) influences electronic properties.
- Scanning Tunneling Spectroscopy (STS) probes local electronic states with high spatial resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spatial oscillations of the local density of states around oxygen atoms on Fe/W(110).
- To determine the spin polarization of electron waves involved in scattering processes.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing Scanning Tunneling Spectroscopy (STS) to map electronic states.
- Performing ab initio spin-resolved electronic structure calculations.
- Employing spin-polarized STS to analyze magnetic domain-specific phenomena.
Main Results:
- Observed highly anisotropic spatial oscillations in the local density of states near oxygen adsorbates.
- Identified minority-spin d-like bands as responsible for electron wave scattering.
- Demonstrated that standing electron waves appear only on specific magnetic domains, confirming high spin polarization.
Conclusions:
- The scattering of electron waves by oxygen adsorbates on Fe/W(110) is highly spin-polarized.
- Minority-spin d-like electronic bands play a crucial role in this spin-dependent scattering phenomenon.
- Spin-polarized STS is a powerful technique for probing spin-polarized electronic states in magnetic systems.