Spin-dependent $\pi$$\pi^{\ast}$ gap in graphene on a magnetic substrate

Abstract

We present a detailed analysis of the electronic properties of graphene/Eu/Ni(111). By using angle and spin-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and ab initio calculations, we show that the Eu-intercalation of graphene/Ni(111) restores the nearly freestanding dispersion of the $\pi\pi^\ast$ Dirac cones at the K point with an additional lifting of the spin degeneracy due to the mixing of graphene and Eu states. The interaction with the magnetic substrate results in a large spin-dependent gap in the Dirac cones with a topological nature characterized by a large Berry curvature, and a spin-polarized van Hove singularity, whose closeness to the Fermi level gives rise to a polaronic band.