The interplay between atomic geometry and magnetic properties of Fe atoms a
t the Fe-Ni(1 1 1) interface was studied. To this end dichroic optical abso
rption and reflectivity (both in energy and theta -2 theta angular scan mod
e) were carried out in the L-2,L-3 edge region of Fe in (Fe-6 (Angstrom)/Ni
-24 (Angstrom)(1 1 1))(10) multilayer while the atomic geometry of the Fe s
ite at the interface was studied for 1 atomic layer of Fe on Ni(1 1 1) by p
hoto-electron diffraction tin angular scan mode and back-scattering regime)
. The Fe atom was found to be chemisorbed in an fee hollow site and to stac
k pseudomorphically to Ni(1 1 1). Its magnetic moment was found to be in th
e range 2.9 +/- 0.9-1.93 +/- 0.6 mu (B). Possibility of surface anisotropy
is discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.