Spin-resolved photoemission microscopy and magnetic imaging in applied magnetic fields

We describe a novel experimental facility at the BESSY II synchrotron, aiming at probing element-specific magnetic properties at the nm-length scale. It consists of a novel photoemission electron microscope with photoelectron spin analysis combined with a microfocus beamline and full X-ray polarization control. The facility is capable of magnetic imaging in applied fields allowing the observation of magnetic switching phenomena on a 30-nm-length scale. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.