Linear magnetic dichroism of thin Fe films on Cu(100)

A series of XPS measurements have been performed on the Fe/Cu(100) system. Using linearly polarised X-rays from an undulator source, magnetic informat ion is evident in the spectra when the magnetisation direction is reversed. These measurements show that over the transition from the in-plane (bcc) t o perpendicular (fct) easy magnetisation direction, the linear dichroism re sponse decreases significantly. The magnetic information that remains for t he thin fct phase is linked to the distortion, inherent in the crystal stru cture, breaking the symmetry that otherwise would forbid magnetic contrast. Ln addition, for the thinnest films, an off-normal moment may be present. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.