Switchable spin – orbit gaps in Fe(001)

In this contribution we will present results of a recent study of the influence of spin-orbit interaction (SOI) on the electronic properties of a prototypical ferromagnet, Fe(001). Using high resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy we demonstrated openings of the SOI - induced electronic band gaps, spin-orbit gaps (SOG), near the Fermi level. The SOG and thus the Fermi surface could be manipulated by changing the remanent magnetization direction. The experimental results were compared with the first-principles calculations and one-step photoemission calculations. Switchable SOG are the basis of many fundamental and technologically relevant phenomena, such as magnetocrystalline anisotropy, anisotropic magnetoresistance, intrinsic anomalous Hall effect or spin relaxation. We envision that a methodology similar to the one introduced here could be used to judge the potential of new materials for spintronic applications.