Magnetic excitations in ultrathin magnetic films: Temperature effects

• Published in: Surface science Vol. 630; pp. 311 - 316
• Main Authors: Zakeri, Kh, Prokop, J., Zhang, Y., Kirschner, J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.12.2014
• Subjects: Dispersions; Excitation; Excitation spectra; Iron; Magnetic excitations; Magnetic monolayers; Magnons; Mills; Spin dynamics; Spin waves; Thin films; Spin dynamics; Spin waves; Magnons; Magnetic monolayers; Magnetic excitations
• ISSN: 0039-6028; 1879-2758
• DOI: 10.1016/j.susc.2014.07.011

The idea of investigating large wave-vector magnetic excitations in ultrathin films by spin-polarized electron spectroscopy is briefly reviewed. The historical background of the paper is based on the personal experience of the authors who collaborated and discussed with Douglas Mills regarding this subject. Douglas Mills' impact on the understanding of fundamental mechanisms involved in the excitation process and the development of the theory of magnetic excitations is outlined. In addition, the temperature effects on the large wave-vector magnetic excitations in ultrathin Fe films are addressed. The experimental results of magnon excitations in the pseudomorphic Fe monolayer on W(110) are presented. The temperature dependence of the magnon dispersion relation is discussed. •Magnetic excitations in a ferromagnetic monolayer are investigated by SPEELS.•The magnons' energy is temperature dependent.•The exchange parameter decreases by about 2% while changing the temperature from 10 to 120 K.•The magnetic anisotropy decreases by about 70% while changing the temperature from 10 to 120 K.