Surface Magnetism Investigated with Spin-Resolved Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

Abstract

Spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy (SP-STM), which is one of the most developed probe microscopy last decades, provides spin-contrasted surface images in nano- and atomic-scale spatial resolutions. This paper introduces the technique based on our recent results performed on manganese thin films on a W(110) substrate and cobalt nano-islands formed on a Ag(111) substrate. We also provide some tips to establish SP-STM in laboratories.