Ferromagnetic STM tip operating as a Spin-diode*

We study spin-dependent transport in a system composed of a ferromagnetic STM tip coupled to an adsorbed atom (adatom) and to a host metallic (non-magnetic) surface. Electrons can tunnel directly from the tip to the surface or through the adatom. Our calculation is based on the nonequilibrium Green functions technique (Keldysh formalism). We self-consistently calculate the adatom spin occupation and its magnetization as a function of the tip position. We find that the adatom becomes magnetized when the tip approaches it; this magnetization switches sign as the voltage changes from forward to reverse bias. We also calculate the spin-resolved currents. If the tip is near the adatom, we obtain the spin-diode effect [PRB \textbf{75}, 165303 (2007)] - i. e., unpolarized current for positive bias and polarized current for reverse bias - when the adatom is singly occupied. We also observe Friedel oscillations in the current as the tip-adatom distance increases [F. M. Souza, P. H. Penteado, et al. - to be submitted].