Spin-dependent electronic structure at magnetic surfaces: The low-Miller-index surfaces of nickel

Abstract

The understanding, on a microscopic level, of magnetic phenomena at surfaces and interfaces hinges on a detailed knowledge of the spin-dependent electronic structure, particularly close to the Fermi level. Experimentally, the most direct access to the spin-dependent electronic states is given by angle-resolved photoemission and inverse photoemission with spin resolution for the emitted and incident electrons, respectively. This report reviews spin-resolved inverse photoemission results on empty electronic states at the low-Miller-index surfaces of nickel as a prototype of a ferromagnetic 3d transition metal. Examples cover bulk-like electronic states, different kinds of surface states, and adsorbate-induced modifications of the surface electronic structure. The data are discussed along with photoemission results on the occupied states. A variety of results is presented which demonstrate how surface magnetic properties are reflected in the spin-dependent electronic structure.