Single-atom spin-flip spectroscopy.

Heinrich, A J; Gupta, J A; Lutz, C P; Eigler, D M · Science · 2004

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

We demonstrate the ability to measure the energy required to flip the spin of single adsorbed atoms. A low-temperature, high-magnetic field scanning tunneling microscope was used to measure the spin excitation spectra of individual manganese atoms adsorbed on Al2O3 islands on a NiAl surface. We find pronounced variations of the spin-flip spectra for manganese atoms in different local environments.