Variable temperature and ex situ spin-polarized low-energy electron microscope

The spin-polarized low-energy electron microscope (SPLEEM) at NCEM has been utilized to examine the magnetic domain formation in thin films of Co grow n on Au(lll) single-crystal surfaces. A new, low-temperature liquid nitroge n cooling system has been added to this instrument, achieving sample temper atures over a wide range (115-2300 K) and enabling the first SPLEEM images to be obtained at below room temperature. Furthermore, the deposition of pr otective, nonmagnetic capping layers on top of the Co/Au(111) surface is ob served to have little effect on the domain shape except for decreasing magn etic contrast due to the attenuation of the diffracted electrons from the C o layer. The magnetic domain contrast is nearly completely restored upon th inning the capping layers by ion bombardment enabling the examination of ex situ prepared samples. (C) 2000 American Vacuum Society. [S0734-2101(00)01 204-5].