Abstract
Vector spin chirality is one of the fundamental characteristics of complex magnets. For a one-dimensional spin-spiral state it can be interpreted as the handedness, or rotational sense of the spiral. Here, using spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy, we demonstrate the occurrence of an atomic-scale spin spiral in finite individual bi-atomic Fe chains on the surface. We show that the broken inversion symmetry at the surface promotes one direction of the vector spin chirality, leading to a unique rotational sense of the spiral in all chains. Correspondingly, changes in the spin direction of one chain end can be probed tens of nanometers away, suggesting a new way of transmitting information about the state of magnetic objects on the nanoscale.
- Received 29 November 2011
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.108.197204
© 2012 American Physical Society
Viewpoint
Pushing Bits Through a Spin Wire
Published 7 May 2012
Short chains of iron atoms deposited on a metal surface could be used to transmit bits of magnetic information.
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