By means of ab initio calculations and spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy experiments the creation of a complex energy dependent magnetic structure with a tailored spin-polarized interface is demonstrated. We show this novel effect by adsorbing organic molecules containing π(p(z)) electrons onto a magnetic surface. The hybridization of the out-of-plane p(z) atomic-type orbitals with the d states of the metal leads to the inversion of the spin polarization at the organic site due to a p(z)-d Zener exchange-type mechanism. As a key result, we demonstrate the possibility to selectively and efficiently inject spin-up and spin-down electrons from a ferromagnetic-organic interface, an effect which can be exploited in future spintronic devices.

The combined use of white light interferometry (WLI) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed pentagonal growth spirals on the surface of SAPO-34 crystals. Detailed considerations of the crystal geometry and preferred step energies may explain the unusual shape of these growth spirals. Combining WLI and AFM is an efficient method for screening and detailed analysis of growth hillocks on crystals larger than 10 μm.

We investigate the spin- and energy-dependent tunneling through a single organic molecule (CoPc) adsorbed on a ferromagnetic Fe thin film, spatially resolved by low-temperature spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy. Interestingly, the metal ion as well as the organic ligand show a significant spin dependence of tunneling current flow. State-of-the-art ab initio calculations including also van der Waals interactions reveal a strong hybridization of molecular orbitals and substrate 3d states. The molecule is anionic due to a transfer of one electron, resulting in a nonmagnetic (S=0) state. Nevertheless, tunneling through the molecule exhibits a pronounced spin dependence due to spin-split molecule-surface hybrid states.