Magnetic ordering of Cr layers on Fe(100)

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

The magnetic ordering at the surface of epitaxial Cr overlayers on Fe(100) is studied by spin-polarized electron-energy-loss spectroscopy. The exchange asymmetry oscillates with the thickness of the Cr overlayer with a period of about two atomic layers, proving directly that the surface Cr layer has a net ferromagnetic moment and that successive layers order antiferromagnetically. The exchange asymmetry is predominantly due to spin-flip scattering. The spin-flip spectrum broadens toward lower energy with increasing thickness, suggesting that Cr may have a surface-enhanced magnetic moment.