Abstract

Under oxidizing preparation conditions the magnetite (111) surface reconstructs to a highly ordered superlattice. This surface reconstruction represents an oxygen termination of the magnetite bulk. We employ spin-polarized (SP) scanning tunneling magnetization (STM) to study the spin-dependent tunneling between a magnetite (111) sample and an antiferromagnetic tip through a vacuum barrier. Atomic scale STM images show significant magnetic contrast corresponding to variations in the local surface states induced by oxygen vacancies. The local variations of the tunneling magnetoresistance around these vacancies correspond to 150%. By employing SP–STM measurements and first principles calculations we could conclude that an oxygen top layer considerably changes the SP properties of the magnetite surface.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.