The Verwey transition observed by spin-resolved photoemission electron microscopy

Highlights: • First observations of magnetic domains on magnetite (001) by spin-resolved PEEM. • Spin-polarization through the Verwey transitions does not change appreciably. • Shape and distribution of domains has been observed through the Verwey transition. - Abstract: We have imaged the magnetic domains on magnetite (001) through the Verwey transition by means of spin-resolved photoemission electron microscopy. A He laboratory source is used for illumination. The magnetic domains walls above the Verwey transition are aligned with 〈110〉 in-plane directions. Below the Verwey transition, the domain structure is interpreted as arising from a distribution of areas with different monoclinic c-axis, with linear 180° domain walls within each area and ragged edges when the magnetic domain boundaries coincide with structural domain walls. The domains evolve above the Verwey transition, while they are static below.