MAGNETIC-PROPERTIES OF CO ISLANDS GROWN ON CU(111)

The spin polarization distribution is calculated at Co islands with a triangular shape deposited on Cu(111). This morphology has been recent ly characterized through STM experiments. The spin-polarized electroni c structure at each inequivalent site has been determined by solving s elf-consistently an spd-tight-binding Hamiltonian in a mean field appr oximation. We obtain a distribution of local moments increased by abou t 40% with respect to the Co bulk value. These results are analyzed in terms of the geometrical and chemical environment, and are compared w ith those calculated for the ideal Co bilayer on Cu(111) and with the spin polarization recently measured for free Co dusters.