Probing multilayer spintronic structures with photoelectron and x-ray emission spectroscopies excited by x-ray standing waves (invited)

Abstract

We discuss a newly developed x-ray standing-wave∕wedge (swedge) method for probing the composition, magnetization, and electronic densities of states in buried interfaces and layers in spintronic nanostructures. In work based on photoemission, this method has permitted determining concentration and magnetization profiles through giant magnetoresistive (GMR) and magnetic tunnel junctions structures, as well as individual layer densities of states near the Fermi level in a tunnel junction. Using x-ray emission and resonant inelastic x-ray scattering for detection has permitted probing deeper layers and interfaces in a GMR structure. Various future applications of this method in nanomagnetism are suggested, including using more energetic hard x-ray standing waves so as to probe more deeply below a surface and standing-wave excitation in spectromicroscopy to provide depth sensitivity.