Direct observation of spin-split electronic states of Pd at the Pd(111)/Fe(110) interface

A spin-split interface state in the Pd 4dband of epitaxial Pd(111) films on Fe(110) has been identified in spin-resolved and spin-integrated photoemission. It is most pronounced for Pd thicknesses between 1 and 2 atomic layers (AL), with an exchange splitting of about 130±{}50 meV that is inverted compared to that of Fe. Bulklike states of Pd(111) at Pd thicknesses between 1.5 and 2.7 AL also appear spin polarized, but without a resolvable exchange splitting. Above 2.7-AL Pd thickness no spin polarization attributable to Pd is evident.