Effect of ion beam irradiation on magnetism of Fe(100) outermost surfaces studied by spin-polarized ion scattering spectroscopy

► We study the Fe(100) surface magnetism by spin-polarized ion scattering spectroscopy. ► The coercivity of the outermost surface is enhanced with the ion beam irradiation. ► Spin polarization is independent of the ion beam irradiation. ► These effects are understood in terms of morphology and atomic arrangement of the surface. ► The coercivity followed a power low with respect to the film thickness.