Abstract
With the advent of scanning probe microscopy techniques that involve a tip and a sample in relative motion in the contact or noncontact regime, the microscopic aspects of friction have become a major branch of research called nanotribology. A significant number of recent studies in this field have concentrated on the distinction between electronic and phononic contributions to friction. Here, we are using the combination of spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy and single-atom manipulation in order to move individual magnetic atoms over a magnetic template. By monitoring the spin-resolved manipulation traces and comparing them with results of Monte Carlo simulations, we are able to reveal the characteristic friction force variations resulting from the occurrence of spin friction on the atomic scale.
- Received 16 May 2012
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.109.116102
© 2012 American Physical Society
Viewpoint
Magnetic Friction is a Sticky Business
Published 10 September 2012
Magnetic interactions between atoms contribute to sliding friction.
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