Spin-Polarized Auger Spectroscopy from Magnetically Ordered Solids

Abstract

Auger electrons from magnetically ordered solids are spin polarized. As an example ferromagnetic ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{83}$${\mathrm{B}}_{17}$ glass was studied. The polarization of the Fe Auger electrons exhibits structures on the order of 20%, both parallel and opposite to the magnetization of the sample depending on the particular transition. Auger electrons from B are unpolarized. The technique opens new perspectives in the study of magnetic solids, particularly alloys and compounds.