Highly spin-polarized field emissions induced by quantum size effects in ultrathin films of Fe on W(001)

Abstract

Spin-polarized field emissions from Fe pseudomorphic ultrathin films on W(001) surfaces are studied by density functional calculations. We found that nearly completely spin-polarized field emission currents can be realized in two and four Fe layers on W(001) and that these systems have the additional advantages of thermal stability and low work functions. The unusually high spin polarizations of the field emission current is traced to the Fe film's quantum size effects leading to spin-polarized quantum well states and surface resonance states. © 2006 The American Physical Society.