title: Correlation-mediated processes for electron-induced switching between Néel states of Fe antiferromagnetic chains.
abstract: The controlled switching between two quasistable Néel states in adsorbed antiferromagnetic Fe chains has recently been achieved by Loth et al. [Science 335, 196 (2012)] using tunneling electrons from an STM tip. In order to rationalize their data, we evaluate the rate of tunneling electron-induced switching between the Néel states. Good agreement is found with the experiment, permitting us to identify three switching mechanisms: (i) low STM voltage direct electron-induced transitions, (ii) intermediate STM voltage switching via spin-wave-like excitation, and (iii) high STM voltage transitions mediated by domain-wall formation. Spin correlations in the antiferromagnetic chains are the switching driving force, leading to a marked chain-size dependence.
authors.affiliation: Institut des Sciences Moléculaires d'Orsay, ISMO, Unité mixte CNRS-Université Paris-Sud, UMR 8214, Bâtiment 351, Université Paris-Sud, 91405 Orsay CEDEX, France.
authors.forename: Jean-Pierre
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Gauyacq
authors.forename: Simeón Moisés
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Yaro
authors.forename: Xavier
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Cartoixà
authors.forename: Nicolás
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lorente