It was recalled that the elastic low-energy electron scattering, of ferromagnetic Fe(001) films on Ag(001), exhibited a marked spin-dependence. This effect could be used for spin detection in electron spectroscopy. It was noted that the quality of the substrate crystal, the morphology of the Fe film, and exposure to adsorbates all had a large effect upon the spin-dependent electron scattering. These effects were especially clear at low electron energies. Annealing of the Fe layer led to interdiffusion. It was observed that Ag migrated through the Fe film and formed a thin layer at the surface.

A.Scholl, L.Baumgarten, W.Eberhardt: Physical Review B, 1997, 56[2], 747-52