The Spin-Polarized Low-Energy Electron Microscope is a unique low-voltage electron microscope for the study of surfaces and interfaces. The instrument is very sensitive to structural and electronic properties of sample surfaces and is well-suited for in-situ research within a highly controlled sample environment. Spin-polarization of the electron beam permits imaging of magnetic domain microstructure. This custom-built equipment is designed to be easily adaptable to enable various types of experiments and exploration of new ideas. During imaging, it is usually possible to provide the following: clean vacuum (low 10-11 torr); variable sample temperature (~130 K to over 2500 K); in-situ deposition of films or multilayers (most metals, some oxides), co-deposition of several components. Within limits, magnetic field at the sample can be adjusted. Samples can be introduced through a loadlock and can be cleaned within the same UHV system (low-energy sputtering with noble- or reactive gases, heating, in-situ cleaving…). Auger-electron spectroscopy and conventional low-energy electron diffraction are available.

(Instrument Schedule & Requirements: 9-5pm daily; no restrictions for approved users)

For updates or questions, contact Andreas Schmid.

During imaging, it is usually possible to provide:

• Clean vacuum (low 10-11 torr).
• Variable sample temperature (~130 K to over 2500 K).
• In-situ deposition of film or multilayers (most metals, some oxides, co-deposition of several components,…).
• Within limits, magnetic field at the sample can be adjusted.
• Samples can be introduced through a loadlock and can be cleaned within the same UHV system (low-energy sputtering with noble- or reactive gases, heating, in-situ cleaving…). Auger-electron spectroscopy and conventional low-energy electron diffraction are available.

Specifications:

• Electron energy typically 0 to 100 eV, energy width ~0.1 eV.
• Electron energy typically 0 to 100 eV, energy width ~0.1 eV.
• Spin-polarization (normally ~30 %) can be adjusted to point in any polar/azimuthal direction
• Spatial resolution ~10 nm laterally, atomic resolution along surface normal.
• Angular resolution of magnetization direction can be better than 2 deg.
• Time resolution: frame rate can be up to 20 fps, exposure time of several ms per frame is usually required for reasonable signal quality, pump/probe operation remains untested.

Principles of SPLEEM 1

Principles of SPLEEM 2

Examples of SPLEEM research
Stability of Magnetization Vortex in Nanocrystals
Nanoscale layers of non-magnetic metal support “magnetized” electronic states
Spiraling Magnetization Vector

Recent SPLEEM Publications