title: Direct observation of the single-domain limit of Fe nanomagnets by spin-polarized scanning tunneling spectroscopy.
abstract: We have investigated the magnetic structure of self-organized Fe islands on W(001) by means of spin-polarized scanning tunneling spectroscopy (Sp-STS). Single-domain, simple vortex, and distorted vortex states have been observed. The high resolution magnetic images were used to experimentally determine the single-domain limit. The experimental structures were compared with results of micromagnetic calculations confirming the ground state nature of the experimental configurations. The single-domain limit directly observed with Sp-STS is consistent with theoretical predictions.
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Osaka 560-8531, Japan.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yamasaki
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wulfhekel
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hertel
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Suga
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kirschner