Spin-polarized STM study of spin-dependent scattering in ferromagnetic nanostructures

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K20878
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Thin film/Surface and interfacial physical properties; Nanostructural physics
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: Oka Hirofumi 東北大学, 多元物質科学研究所, 研究支援者 (70374600)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: スピン偏極STM / 強磁性ナノ構造 / スピン依存散乱 / 電子定在波

Outline of Final Research Achievements

At the interface of ferromagnet and non-magnetic materials, the scattering probability of electrons strongly depends on their spin directions and magnetization directions of the ferromagnet. In this study, using spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy, we investigate the spin-dependent scattering phenomenon at electronic level and nano-meter scale.
Co nanostructures on Cu(111) exhibit different electronic states at the center part and the rim area. We find that electrons of electronic states at the center scatter off not at the border of the nanostructure but at the “electronic” border between the center and rim areas, and form electronic standing waves within the center area. We reveal that the reflectivity of center-part electrons at the electronic border changes with the spin configuration of the electrons against the rim.

Free Research Field

表面電子物性