The spin polarization of Mn atoms in paramagnetic CuMn alloys induced by a Co layer

Using the surface, interface, and element specificity of x-ray resonant magnetic scattering in combination with x-ray magnetic circular dichroism, we have spatially resolved the polarization, and hence the spin accumulation in Mn high susceptibility material in close proximity to a ferromagnetic layer. The magnetic polarization of Mn and Cu 3d electrons in paramagnetic CuMn layers is detected in a Co/Cu(x)/CuMn structure for varying copper layer thicknesses (x). The size of the Mn and Cu L(2-3)-edge dichroism shows a decrease in the polarization for increasing copper thickness indicating the dominant interfacial nature of the Cu and Mn spin polarization. The Mn polarization appears to be much higher than that of Cu. (C) 2009 American Institute of Physics. [DOI: 10.1063/1.3063065]