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Atomic-Scale Spin Spiral with a Unique Rotational Sense: Mn Monolayer on W(001)

P. Ferriani, K. von Bergmann, E. Y. Vedmedenko, S. Heinze, M. Bode, M. Heide, G. Bihlmayer, S. Blügel, and R. Wiesendanger
Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 027201 – Published 7 July 2008; Erratum Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 019901 (2009)

Abstract

Using spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy we show that the magnetic order of 1 monolayer Mn on W(001) is a spin spiral propagating along 110 crystallographic directions. The spiral arises on the atomic scale with a period of about 2.2 nm, equivalent to only 10 atomic rows. Ab initio calculations identify the spin spiral as a left-handed cycloid stabilized by the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction, imposed by spin-orbit coupling, in the presence of softened ferromagnetic exchange coupling. Monte Carlo simulations explain the formation of a nanoscale labyrinth pattern, originating from the coexistence of the two possible rotational domains, that is intrinsic to the system.

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  • Received 15 April 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.101.027201

©2008 American Physical Society

Erratum

Erratum: Atomic-Scale Spin Spiral with a Unique Rotational Sense: Mn Monolayer on W(001) [Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 027201 (2008)]

P. Ferriani, K. von Bergmann, E. Y. Vedmedenko, S. Heinze, M. Bode, M. Heide, G. Bihlmayer, S. Blügel, and R. Wiesendanger
Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 019901 (2009)

Authors & Affiliations

P. Ferriani1,*, K. von Bergmann1, E. Y. Vedmedenko1, S. Heinze1, M. Bode1,†, M. Heide2, G. Bihlmayer2, S. Blügel2, and R. Wiesendanger1

  • 1Institute of Applied Physics, University of Hamburg, Jungiusstrasse 11, 20355 Hamburg, Germany
  • 2Institut für Festkörperforschung, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany

  • *Corresponding author. pferrian@physnet.uni-hamburg.de
  • Present address: Center for Nanoscale Materials, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439, USA.

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Issue

Vol. 101, Iss. 2 — 11 July 2008

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