Spin polarization, structure and chemical composition of the Rh/Fe(1 0 0) interface

We report on spin- and energy-resolved electron emission induced by grazingly scattered 100 keV protons from ultrathin Rh layers on Fe(1 0 0). A finite spin polarization of emitted electrons is observed up to a nominal coverage of 3 Rh layers. The growth of Rh at room temperature is studied by grazing scattering of 50 keV He+ ions. We find that growth of Rh on Fe(1 0 0) deviates from perfect pseudomorphic layer-by-layer growth. The chemical composition is investigated by Auger electron spectroscopy using 5 keV electrons and grazingly scattered 200 keV protons.