Surface structure determination of Pd on W(100) using X-ray photoelectron diffraction

Abstract

Ferromagnetic ordering in non-ferromagnetic transition metals induced by structural effects such as lattice expansion and stacking faults have been predicted by several theoretical studies. Different surfaces such as Nb(100), W(100) and C(0001) have been suggested as potential templates which could drive a Pd ultrathin film to a stable ferromagnetic state, depending on growth packing, film thickness and lateral lattice parameter. In this work we present an X-ray photoelectron diffraction (XPD) study of sub-monolayer to a few layers of Pd grown on W(100) and its surface structure determination. XPD patterns of Pd 3d and W 4f peaks were measured using synchrotron radiation with photon energy of 1810eV provided by the SXS beamline at the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory. Our results indicate that the first few monolayers of Pd grow on W(100) with bcc packing and lateral lattice parameter dramatically changed in comparison with the Pd(fcc) bulk values. Based on these results we also present a discussion on the magnetic properties of this system derived from spin-polarized DFT calculation.