The surface composition and spin polarization of NiMnSb epitaxial thin films

The composition in the surface region of the Heusler alloy NiMnSb has been studied using angle-resolved X-ray photoemission spectroscopy low-energy electron diffraction and spin-polarized inverse photoemission. The results are? consistent with a generally Mu-Sb terminal layer, though the surface composition is very sensitive to preparation. The surface composition has a critical influence on the polarization near the Fermi level in spin-polarized inverse photoemission. Under some conditions, the polarization at; the Fermi level far normal incidence inverse photoemission can reach values very close to 100% above background.