Towards sub-nanometer real-space observation of spin and orbital magnetism at the Fe/MgO interface.

ABSTRACT: While the performance of magnetic tunnel junctions based on metal/oxide interfaces is determined by hybridization, charge transfer, and magnetic properties at the interface, there are currently only limited experimental techniques with sufficient spatial resolution to directly observe these effects simultaneously in real-space. In this letter, we demonstrate an experimental method based on Electron Magnetic Circular Dichroism (EMCD) that will allow researchers to simultaneously map magnetic transitions and valency in real-space over interfacial cross-sections with sub-nanometer spatial resolution. We apply this method to an Fe/MgO bilayer system, observing a significant enhancement in the orbital to spin moment ratio that is strongly localized to the interfacial region. Through the use of

SUBMITTER: Thersleff T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5364495 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature