SPIN-POLARIZED PHOTOEMISSION-STUDIES OF THE GD(0001) SURFACE

The surface magnetic properties of the rare earth Lanthanide, gadolini um (Gd) have been the subject of a number of different experimental an d theoretical studies in recent years. These studies have suggested th at the surface of Gd exhibits a variety of unusual magnetic properties including imperfect ferromagnetic coupling between the surface and bu lk, canted magnetic moments and some form of phase transition. Also th e temperature dependent behavior appears to be quite controversial wit h both a Stoner-like and spin-mixing behavior invoked to describe the loss of magnetization. With new angle- and spin-resolved studies carri ed out at room and low temperatures, we re-examine this temperature de pendence and confirm that both types of behavior are evident. We furth er provide direct evidence that at the temperature of liquid nitrogen, it is possible to observe a canting of the surface moments out of the surface plane. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.