Quantifying Spin-Mixed States in Ferromagnets

We quantify the presence of spin-mixed states in ferromagnetic 3D transition metals by precise measurement of the orbital moment. While central to phenomena such as Elliot-Yafet scattering, quantification of the spin-mixing parameter has hitherto been confined to theoretical calculations. We demonstrate that this information is also available by experimental means. Comparison of ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy with x-ray magnetic circular dichroism results show that Kittel's original derivation of the spectroscopic g factor requires modification, to include spin mixing of valence band states. Our results are supported by ab initio relativistic electronic structure theory.

Automated summary

This study quantifies the presence of spin-mixed states in ferromagnetic 3D transition metals by measuring the orbital moment precisely. The information about spin mixing parameter is also available through experimental means, and the results support the need for modification in Kittel's original derivation of the spectroscopic g factor. Ab initio relativistic electronic structure theory is used to validate the findings.