The relatively simple structure of metal surfaces are a well-suited model system for basic studies like the connection of RAS to the electrical and optical properties of surfaces. Until now three major contributions to Reflectance Anisotropy Spectroscopy (RAS) could be found and separated:
- electronic transitions between localized surface states and resonances
- transitions between near surface bulk bands
- surface plasmons
To measure these properties the measurements in the lab are combined by Photoemission using the synchrotron radiation of several international electron storage rings, especially with University of Aarhus, Denmark. These experimental results are compared with Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations performed at the University of Toronto (Canada)
The magnetic properties of Cobalt covered Copper and related surfaces are studied together with collaborating groups of the Special Research Center "Thin Metal Films" (SfB 290) at the Free University. Especially the technique of Reflectance Anisotropy Spectroscopy and Magneto-optical Kerr-Spectroscopy (MOKE) will be applied at this system.
Magnetic measurement by MOKE during Ni growth on a Cu(110) (2x1)-O reconstructed surface (Background: STM image after 12 ML Ni deposition).
Contact:
- Wolfgang Richter (General Coordination)
- Theo Herrmann (MOKE, properties of magnetic layers)
Collaboration:
- Philip Hofmann, Uni Aarhus (Measurements at the Synchrotron)
- Martin. J. Lee, Uni Toronto(DFT-calculations)
- SFB 290: Special Research Center "Thin Metal Films" (Properties of magnetic layers)