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Experimental Methods for Spin- and Angle-Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy Combined with Polarization-Variable Laser
Published on: June 28, 2018
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Spin polarization of the split Kondo state.
Kirsten von Bergmann1, Markus Ternes2, Sebastian Loth2,3
1Department of Physics, University of Hamburg, 20355 Hamburg, Germany.
Physical Review Letters
|March 13, 2015
Summary
Spin-resolved scanning tunneling microscopy reveals fully spin-polarized Kondo peaks in magnetic atoms. The study quantifies spin polarization, showing distinct majority and minority spin peaks split by magnetic fields.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Surface Science
- Quantum Magnetism
Background:
- The Kondo effect describes the interaction between conduction electrons and localized magnetic moments in metals.
- Understanding the spin polarization of Kondo states is crucial for spintronic applications.
- Magnetic field effects on Kondo states provide insights into electron correlations and spin dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively determine the spin polarization of the magnetic field-split Kondo state.
- To investigate the influence of magnetic fields on Kondo peak characteristics.
- To correlate Kondo peak behavior with the spin state of the magnetic atom.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing spin-resolved scanning tunneling microscopy (SR-STM) to probe electronic states.
- Analyzing tunneling conductance spectra of Kondo-screened magnetic atoms.
- Employing a model incorporating inelastic tunneling and Zeeman splitting of Kondo peaks.
Main Results:
- Kondo peaks exhibit scaling of width and height with Zeeman energy.
- Observed full spin polarization of Kondo peaks.
- Identified distinct majority (below Fermi energy) and minority (above Fermi energy) spin peaks.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms full spin polarization of Kondo peaks in magnetic atoms under an applied magnetic field.
- Zeeman splitting provides a direct method to probe and quantify spin polarization.
- These findings contribute to the fundamental understanding of electron-spin interactions in magnetic nanostructures.
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