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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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Bulk ferromagnetic tips for spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy.
Masahiro Haze1, Hung-Hsiang Yang1, Kanta Asakawa1
1Institute for Solid State Physics, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8581, Japan.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|February 3, 2019
Summary
We tested iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni) tips for spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy (SP-STM). These tips reliably detected magnetic signals in manganese (Mn) thin films, showing potential for magnetic materials research.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy (SP-STM) is crucial for investigating magnetic materials at the nanoscale.
- Developing reliable probes is essential for advancing SP-STM capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of electrochemically etched bulk iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni) tips for SP-STM applications.
- To assess the magnetic signal detection capability and magnetic field response of these tips.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of Fe and Ni tips using SP-STM.
- Observation of magnetic contrast on a conical spin-spiral structure in Mn double layers on a W(110) substrate.
- Application of external magnetic fields to manipulate tip magnetization.
Main Results:
- Both Fe and Ni tips successfully detected magnetic signals, evidenced by striped contrast on the Mn spin-spiral structure.
- The magnetization direction of the Fe and Ni tips could be switched between out-of-plane directions using external magnetic fields.
- Ex-situ prepared tips demonstrated reliability for SP-STM on samples insensitive to stray magnetic fields.
Conclusions:
- Electrocatalytically etched Fe and Ni tips are effective probes for SP-STM.
- These tips offer controllable magnetization, enhancing their utility in magnetic imaging.
- The study validates the use of these prepared tips for SP-STM investigations of specific magnetic systems.
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