Low-energy electron reflection from Au-passivated Ir(0 0 1) for application in imaging spin-filters

Abstract

We describe the principle, the preparation, and the calibration of a spin-polarizing electron mirror in multichannel spin polarimetry. We show data obtained by two independent devices (a goniometer-type LEED set-up and a momentum-microscope set-up) and compare them to the results of a relativistic multiple scattering theory. We also discuss the effects of misalignment and mosaic structure of the crystal. For multi-channel detection we find a 5000-fold increase of efficiency over a single-channel spin-detector. The lifetime of the detector is more than 6 months in ultra-high vacuum.