We study relativistic effects induced by the spin-orbit coupling at metal
surfaces and ultrathin films. Of particular interest for magnetoelectronic
devices is the understanding of the conditions to achieve large perpendicular 
magnetic anisotropy (PMA).

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Selected publications: </font></H3>

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"Noble metal capping effects on the spin reorientation transitions of
Co/Ru(0001)". F. El Gabaly, K.F. McCarty, A.K. Schmid, J. de la Figuera,
M.C. Munoz, L. Szunyogh, P. Weinberger, S. Gallego.
New J. Phys. 10, 073024 (2008).
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"Imaging spin reorientation transitions in consecutive atomic Co layers on
Ru(0001)".
F. El Gabaly, S. Gallego, M.C. Munoz, L. Szunyogh, P. Weinberger,
C. Klein, A.K. Schmid, K.F. McCarty, J. de la Figuera.
Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 147202 (2006). <br>
Physical Review Focus 17 (2006) 13.
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"Effect of spin-orbit interaction on a magnetic impurity in the vicinity of a 
surface". L. Szunyogh, G. Zarand, S. Gallego, M.C. Munoz, B.L. Gyorffy.
Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 067204 (2006).
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"Origin of the magnetic reorientation transition in Fe/Cu3Au(001)".
S. Gallego, L. Szunyogh, P. Weinberger, M.C. Munoz.
Phys. Rev. B 69, 224408 (2004).
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"Magnetic anisotropy of disordered Mn-Pt layered surface
compounds on Pt(111)". 
S. Gallego, M.C. Munoz, J. Zabloudil, L. Szunyogh, P. Weinberger.
Phys. Rev. B 63, 064428 (2001).
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