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Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Experimental Methods for Spin- and Angle-Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy Combined with Polarization-Variable Laser
Published on: June 28, 2018
Probing absolute spin polarization at the nanoscale.
Matthias Eltschka1, Berthold Jäck, Maximilian Assig
1Max-Planck-Institut für Festkörperforschung , 70569 Stuttgart, Germany.
We developed a new spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy technique to measure spin polarization at the atomic scale. This method revealed a 65% enhancement in spin polarization for cobalt nanoislands by adjusting the tunnel barrier width.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Surface Science
Background:
- Understanding spin polarization is crucial for spin-dependent transport phenomena.
- Existing techniques have limitations in probing absolute spin polarization values at the nanoscale.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy (SP-STM) method.
- To measure absolute spin polarization values with atomic precision.
- To investigate spin polarization in magnetic nanoislands.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Meservey-Tedrow-Fulde effect (Zeeman splitting in superconducting tips).
- Developed a SP-STM capable of probing absolute spin polarization.
- Applied the technique to Co nanoislands on a Cu(111) surface.
Main Results:
- Achieved atomic-scale control and measurement of absolute spin polarization.
- Observed a significant 65% enhancement in spin polarization.
- Correlated the enhancement with an increase in tunnel barrier width (2.3 Å).
Conclusions:
- The novel SP-STM provides unprecedented insight into nanoscale spin polarization.
- Electron orbital decay into vacuum influences spin polarization.
- This technique opens new avenues for studying spin-dependent phenomena.
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