Layer-resolved spin polarization in Sb overlayers on NiMnSb
The magnetism of antimony overlayers on a ferromagnetic substrate is investigated by spin-polarized inverse photoemission and explained in terms of a spin-dependent envelope-function approximation (SDEFA). The atomic structure of the films, which were deposited by sputtering Sb onto a NiMnSb(001) substrate, is characterized by a unique combination of three features: (i) NiMnSb is a highly spin-polarized semi-Heusler alloy predicted to be halfmetallic, (ii) antimony is a semimetal, exhibiting a band structure reminiscent of indirect-gap semiconductors, and (iii) the small lattice mismatch ensures a well-controlled interface. Combined x-ray absorption spectroscopy and spin-polarized inverse photoemission yield a layer-resolved spin polarization decaying on a length scale of the order of 1 nm. The unusual range of the spin polarization in the paramagnetic overlayer is explained by considering the alloy{endash}antimony interface as a spin-dependent perturbation potential and taking into account the low effective masses of the Sb conduction electrons (only about 0.1 for both electrons and holes). {copyright} 2001 American Institute of Physics.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 40204028
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 89, Issue 11; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.1357849; Othernumber: JAPIAU000089000011007275000001; 314111MMM; PBD: 1 Jun 2001; ISSN 0021-8979
- Publisher:
- The American Physical Society
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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