Light-induced spin-polarized desorption of Rb atoms from Co surfaces

We investigated the spin polarization of Rb atoms undergoing light-induced desorption from a spin-polarized Co (110) surface. Desorption of Rb atoms was induced via pulsed UV irradiation of the Rb-adsorbed Co surface. The number of desorbed atoms, their velocity distribution, and their spin polarization were measured via the absorption of circularly polarized light resonant with the desorbed Rb atoms. The results were analyzed in conjunction with density functional theory calculations, indicating that the desorbed Rb atoms were spin polarized. This was explained by a nonthermal desorption mechanism accompanying spin-polarized electron transfer between the Co surface and adsorbed Rb.