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Visualizing Uniaxial-strain Manipulation of Antiferromagnetic Domains in Fe1+YTe Using a Spin-polarized Scanning Tunneling Microscope
Published on: March 24, 2019
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Antiferromagnetic MnNi tips for spin-polarized scanning probe microscopy
P R Forrester1, T Bilgeri1, F Patthey1
1Institute of Physics, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|January 3, 2019
Summary
We developed novel spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy (SP-STM) tips from antiferromagnetic MnNi foils. These intrinsically spin-polarized tips enable atomic-resolution magnetic measurements, particularly in zero magnetic field conditions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy (SP-STM) is crucial for atomic-resolution magnetic measurements.
- Existing methods for fabricating SP-STM tips face limitations in fabrication, performance, and operating conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the fabrication and application of SP-STM tips derived from commercially available antiferromagnetic manganese-nickel (MnNi) foils.
- To explore the potential of intrinsically spin-polarized tips for magnetic studies, especially under zero-field conditions.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of SP-STM tips using etching techniques on ductile Mn88Ni12 antiferromagnetic foils.
- Benchmarking the topographic and spectroscopic capabilities of the fabricated tips.
- Demonstrating spin sensitivity by observing the magnetic switching of single holmium atoms on a MgO/Ag(100) surface.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated intrinsically spin-polarized tips from MnNi foils with a Néel temperature above 300 K.
- The tips exhibit reliable topographic and spectroscopic performance.
- Spin sensitivity was confirmed by measuring the two-state magnetic switching of individual holmium atoms.
Conclusions:
- MnNi-based SP-STM tips offer a viable and advantageous alternative for atomic-resolution magnetic imaging.
- These tips are suitable for exploring magnetic phenomena in the zero magnetic field limit.
- The material's properties facilitate straightforward fabrication and robust performance.
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