Spin dependence in He(2 sup 3 S ) metastable-atom deexcitation at magnetized Fe(110) and O/Fe(110) surfaces

Journal Article · Sat Feb 15 04:00:00 EST 1992 · Physical Review, B: Condensed Matter; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.45.3674· OSTI ID:5005067

Hammond, M S; Dunning, F B; Walters, G K ^[1]; Prinz, G A ^[2]

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1. Department of Physics, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77251 (United States) the Rice Quantum Institute, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77251 (United States)
2. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375 (United States)

Spin-labeling techniques, specifically the use of electron-spin-polarized He(2{sup 3}{ital S}) metastable atoms coupled with analysis of the number and spin of the ejected electrons, are used to investigate the dynamics of metastable-atom--surface interactions and the properties of (magnetized) Fe(110) and O/Fe(110) surfaces. The data show that the dominant He(2{sup 3}{ital S}) metastable-atom deexcitation mechanism at such surfaces is resonance ionization followed by Auger neutralization, and that the ejected-electron polarization reflects the iron conduction-band polarization. The present results, when interpreted using the theory of Penn and Apell, also indicate that the magnetization in the vacuum above a clean Fe(110) surface at distances ({similar to}3--5 A) where Auger neutralization occurs is negative but changes sign upon exposure to oxygen. Several possible explanations for this sign reversal are discussed. The measurements establish spin-polarized metastable-atom deexcitation spectroscopy as an extraordinarily sensitive probe of the surface magnetic environment.

• OSTI ID: 5005067
• Journal Information: Physical Review, B: Condensed Matter; (United States), Journal Name: Physical Review, B: Condensed Matter; (United States) Vol. 45:7; ISSN PRBMD; ISSN 0163-1829
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360104* -- Metals & Alloys-- Physical Properties
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMISORPTION
ELEMENTS
ENERGY LEVELS
EPITAXY
EXCITED STATES
FLUIDS
GASES
HELIUM
IRON
MAGNETIZATION
METALS
METASTABLE STATES
NONMETALS
ORIENTATION
OXYGEN
RARE GASES
S STATES
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SORPTION
SPIN ORIENTATION
SURFACES
TRANSITION ELEMENTS