Spin orientation transition across the single-layer graphene/nickel thin film interface

The spin-polarized electronic structures across the interface between single-layer graphene and a Ni(111) thin film are explored by employing depth-resolved X-ray absorption and magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy with atomic layer resolution. The depth-resolved Ni L_2,3-edge analysis clarifies that the Ni atomic layers adjacent to the interface show a transition of the spin orientation to the perpendicular one in contrast to the in-plane one in the bulk region. The C K-edge analysis reveals the intensification of the spin-orbit interactions induced by the π-d hybridization at the interface as well as out-of-plane spin polarization in the π band region of graphene. The present study indicates the importance of the interface design at the atomic layer level for graphene-based spintronics.