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 00:00:00 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), Vol. 45:7; ISSN 0163-1829
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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