Vectorial spin polarization detection in multichannel spin-resolved photoemission spectroscopy using an Ir(001) imaging spin filter.

We report on spin- and angular-resolved photoemission spectroscopy using a high-resolution imaging spin filter based on a large Ir(001) crystal enhancing the effective figure of merit for spin detection by a factor of over 10³ compared to standard single-channel detectors. Furthermore, we review the spin filter preparation and its lifetime. The spin filter efficiency is mapped on a broad range of scattering energies and azimuthal angles. Large spin filter efficiencies are observed for the spin component perpendicular as well as parallel to the scattering plane depending on the azimuthal orientation of the spin filter crystal. A spin rotator capable of manipulating the spin direction prior to detection complements the measurement of three observables, thus allowing for a derivation of all three components of the spin polarization vector in multichannel spin polarimetry. The experimental results nicely agree with spin-polarized low-energy electron diffraction calculations based on a fully relativistic multiple scattering method in the framework of spin-polarized density functional theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]