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arXiv · 1305.1616

Local control of single atom magneto-crystalline anisotropy

B. Bryant·A. Spinelli·J. J. T. Wagenaar·M. Gerrits·A. F. Otte
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Abstract

Individual Fe atoms on a Cu2N/Cu(100) surface exhibit strong magnetic anisotropy due to the crystal field. Using atom manipulation in a low-temperature STM we demonstrate that the anisotropy of one Fe atom is significantly influenced by local strain due to a second Fe atom placed nearby. Depending on the relative positions of the two atoms on the Cu2N lattice we can controllably enhance or reduce the uniaxial anisotropy. We present a model that explains the observed behavior qualitatively in terms of first principles.

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B. Bryant, A. Spinelli, J. J. T. Wagenaar, M. Gerrits, A. F. Otte. 2013-07-25. Local control of single atom magneto-crystalline anisotropy. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.111.127203

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