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Abstract:
This work reports on the measurement of magnetic dichroism in
angular-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy from in-plane magnetized
buried thin films. The high bulk sensitivity of hard X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy (HAXPES) in combination with circularly polarized radiation
enables the investigation of the magnetic properties of buried layers.
Angular distributions of high kinetic energy (7-8 key) photoelectrons in
a range of about 600 were recorded in parallel to the energy
distribution. Depending on purpose, energy and angular resolutions of
150-250 meV and 0.17-2 degrees can be accomplished simultaneously in
such experiments. Experiments were performed on exchange-biased magnetic
layers covered by thin oxide films. More specifically, the angular
distribution of photoelectrons from the ferromagnetic layer Co2FeAl
layer grown on MnIr exchange-biasing layer was investigated where the
magnetic structure is buried beneath a MgO layer. Pronounced magnetic
dichroism is found in the Co and Fe 2p states for all angles of
emission. A slightly increased magnetic dichroism was observed for
normal emission in agreement with theoretical considerations. (C) 2013
Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.