title: Atomic-scale spin spiral with a unique rotational sense: Mn monolayer on W(001).
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.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Applied Physics, University of Hamburg, Jungiusstrasse 11, 20355 Hamburg, Germany. pferrian@physnet.uni-hamburg.de
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ferriani
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: von Bergmann
authors.forename: E Y
authors.initials: EY
authors.lastname: Vedmedenko
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Heinze
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bode
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heide
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bihlmayer
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Blügel
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wiesendanger