Journal Article

FZJ-2023-04634

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Evidence for spinarons in Co adatoms

Friedrich, F. ; Odobesko, A. (Corresponding author) ; Bouaziz, J.FZJ* ; Lounis, S. (Corresponding author)FZJ* ; Bode, M.

2024
Nature Publishing Group Basingstoke

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1038/s41567-023-02262-6  doi:10.34734/FZJ-2023-04634

Abstract: Cobalt atoms on the (111) surfaces of noble metals are considered to be prototypical systems for the Kondo effect in scanning tunnelling microscopy experiments. Recent first-principles calculations, however, suggest that the experimentally observed spectroscopic zero-bias anomaly can be interpreted in terms of excitations of the spin of the Co atom and the formation of a novel many-body state, namely, the spinaron, rather than from a Kondo resonance. The spinaron is a magnetic polaron that results from the interaction of spin excitations with conduction electrons. However, the experimental confirmation for the existence of spinarons remains elusive. Here we present experimental evidence for spinaronic states in Co atoms on the Cu(111) surface. Our spin-averaged and spin-polarized scanning tunnelling spectroscopy measurements in high magnetic fields allow us to discriminate between the different existing theoretical models and to invalidate the prevailing Kondo-based interpretation of the zero-bias anomaly. Our extended ab initio calculations instead suggest the presence of multiple spinaronic states. Thus, our work provides the foundation to explore the characteristics and consequences of these intriguing hybrid many-body states as well as their design in artificial nanostructures.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Quanten-Theorie der Materialien (PGI-1)
2. Quanten-Theorie der Materialien (IAS-1)

Research Program(s):

1. 5211 - Topological Matter (POF4-521) (POF4-521)
2. 3D MAGiC - Three-dimensional magnetization textures: Discovery and control on the nanoscale (856538) (856538)

Appears in the scientific report 2024

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Database coverage:
; ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; DEAL Nature ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 15 ; JCR ; Nationallizenz ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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