Atomic-scale spin spiral with a unique rotational sense: Mn monolayer on W(001) |
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Authors: | Ferriani P von Bergmann K Vedmedenko E Y Heinze S Bode M Heide M Bihlmayer G Blügel S Wiesendanger R |
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Affiliation: | Institute of Applied Physics, University of Hamburg, Jungiusstrasse 11, 20355 Hamburg, Germany. pferrian@physnet.uni-hamburg.de |
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Abstract: | Using spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy we show that the magnetic order of 1 monolayer Mn on W(001) is a spin spiral propagating along 110 crystallographic directions. The spiral arises on the atomic scale with a period of about 2.2 nm, equivalent to only 10 atomic rows. Ab initio calculations identify the spin spiral as a left-handed cycloid stabilized by the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction, imposed by spin-orbit coupling, in the presence of softened ferromagnetic exchange coupling. Monte Carlo simulations explain the formation of a nanoscale labyrinth pattern, originating from the coexistence of the two possible rotational domains, that is intrinsic to the system. |
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