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