Spin-polarized photoelectron diffraction: A new probe of short-range magnetic order (invited) (abstract)

Abstract

It has recently been pointed out theoretically and subsequently observed experimentally that core-level multiplet splittings can be used to yield a spin-polarized form of photoelectron diffraction (SPPD). This internally referenced source of electrons that are highly polarized with both orientations of spin thus eliminates the need for an external spin detector, permits studying both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic specimens, and can, in principle, detect short-range magnetic or for temperatures above the Curie or Néel temperature. In the first measurements of this type on the antiferromagnet KMnF3, an abrupt loss of short-range order at a transition temperature considerably above the bulk Néel temperature of the material was observed. More recent theoretical diffraction calculations have pointed out several ways in which SPPD should permit deriving unique information on short-range spin-order structures at and near the surfaces of magnetic materials. New experimental results have also been obtained for the antiferromagnet MnO. This paper will discuss these new developments, will review the advantages and disadvantages of SPPD, and also will consider some interesting future directions of investigation.