Physical Review Letters · 2015 · 123 citations · 54 references
Natural SciencesMaterials SciencePhysicsCondensed Matter PhysicsMagnetic MaterialsMaterials PhysicsMagnetic AnisotropyMagnetic OxidesMagnetic Properties Of SolidsMagnetism In SolidsSurface MagnetismThin Film Magnetic PropertiesAdsorption SitesLigand Field EffectsMagnetic Circular DichroismMagnetic PropertiesPerpendicular Magnetic AnisotropySpin-orbit Coupling EffectsSurface Adsorption SitesZero-field Splitting
We report on the magnetic properties of individual Fe atoms deposited on MgO(100) thin films probed by x-ray magnetic circular dichroism and scanning tunneling spectroscopy. We show that the Fe atoms have strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy with a zero-field splitting of 14.0±0.3 meV/atom. This is a factor of 10 larger than the interface anisotropy of epitaxial Fe layers on MgO and the largest value reported for Fe atoms adsorbed on surfaces. The interplay between the ligand field at the O adsorption sites and spin-orbit coupling is analyzed by density functional theory and multiplet calculations, providing a comprehensive model of the magnetic properties of Fe atoms in a low-symmetry bonding environment.
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