Imaging low-dimensional magnetism with slow electrons R. Zdyb a,b , A. Pavlovska a,c , A. Locatelli c , S. Heun c , S. Cherifi d , R. Belkhou e , E. Bauer a,c, * a Department of Physics and Astronomy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-1504, USA b Institute of Physics, Marie-Curie-Sklodowska University, 20031 Lublin, Poland c Sincrotrone Trieste, 34012 Basovizza, Trieste, Italy d Laboratoire Louis Neel, CNRS, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France e LURE, Universite´ Paris-Sud, 91898 Orsay Cedex, France Received 15 November 2003; accepted 14 November 2004 Available online 13 January 2005 Abstract Two aspects of low-dimensional magnetism are discussed: the spin-dependent quantization effects in perfect two- dimensional single crystal layers and the magnetic domain structure of submicron magnetic patterns. Both require high lateral resolution and surface sensitivity. This is provided by spin-polarized low energy electron microscopy (SPLEEM) and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism photoemission electron microscopy (XMCDPEEM). # 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Keywords: Low-dimensional magnetism; Spin-polarized low energy electron microscopy; X-ray magnetic circular dichroism photoemission electron microscopy 1. Introduction Low-dimensional magnetic systems show a wide variety of exciting physical phenomena that are not only of fundamental interest but have also practical applications. Spin-dependent quantization in ultrathin films for example is responsible for the giant magneto resistance effect that has found application in magnetic reading heads and submicron magnetic patterns find application in high-density magnetic storage and computing. The domain structure in the remanent state of these patterns is important for the functioning of these devices and depends strongly on the geometry of the pattern and on defects. Although it can be largely calculated by micromagnetic simula- tions, experiments are necessary to verify that these really simulate physical reality. In this paper we discuss one model system each for the two low-dimensional systems, the spin-polarized quantum size effect (QSE) in atomically flat ultrathin (1 1 0)-oriented Fe films on a W(1 1 0) surface and the magnetic domain structure of submicroscopic Co thin film bits on silicon substrates. In order to make the possibilities and limitations of the experimental www.elsevier.com/locate/apsusc Applied Surface Science 249 (2005) 38–44 * Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 602 965 2993; fax: +1 602 965 7954. E-mail address: ernst.bauer@asu.edu (E. Bauer). 0169-4332/$ – see front matter # 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.apsusc.2004.11.089