Spin-dependent electron attenuation by transmission through thin ferromagnetic films

Spin-polarized photoemission spectra at low photon energies from ferromagnetic ultrathin Fe layers on Cu(100) show a substantial polarization of the Cu 3d peaks. This is attributed to spin-dependent attenuation in the Fe overlayer. Values of the spin-dependent mean free path at low electron energies are obtained. © 1991 The American Physical Society.