Spin dependent electron absorption in Fe(001)-p(1x1)O: A new candidate for a stable and efficient electron polarization analyzer

The low energy electron absorption by a p(1 X 1) ordered oxygen overlayer on magnetized Fe(001) depends on the spin polarization of the primary beam. The peak value of die spin asymmetry is 12.5% at 6 eV electron kinetic energy, where the percentage absorption is 65%. The presence of the surface oxide prevents the system from contamination, so that an almost negligible asymmetry deterioration is observed after prolonged operation in vacuum. After exposure to atmosphere followed by heat-cleaning a peak value still larger than 7% is achieved. These results suggest spin dependent current absorption from Fe(001)-p(1 X 1)O as a very promising candidate for an efficient and extremely stable electron polarization analyzer. (C) 1998 American Institute of Physics.