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Spin Friction Observed on the Atomic Scale

Boris Wolter, Yasuo Yoshida, André Kubetzka, Saw-Wai Hla, Kirsten von Bergmann, and Roland Wiesendanger
Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 116102 – Published 10 September 2012
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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.

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  • Received 16 May 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.109.116102

© 2012 American Physical Society

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Magnetic Friction is a Sticky Business

Published 10 September 2012

Magnetic interactions between atoms contribute to sliding friction.

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Authors & Affiliations

Boris Wolter1, Yasuo Yoshida1,*, André Kubetzka1, Saw-Wai Hla2, Kirsten von Bergmann1, and Roland Wiesendanger1,†

  • 1Institute of Applied Physics, University of Hamburg, Jungiusstrasse 11, D-20355 Hamburg, Germany
  • 2Nanoscale & Quantum Phenomena Institute, Physics & Astronomy Department, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, USA

  • *Present address: Institute for Solid State Physics, University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwa-no-ha, Kashiwa 277-8581, Japan.
  • wiesendanger@physnet.uni-hamburg.de

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Issue

Vol. 109, Iss. 11 — 14 September 2012

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