Based on our development of Spin-Polarized Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (SP-STM) and Magnetic Exchange Force Microscopy (MExFM), both offering spin sensitivity and spatial resolution down to the ultimate limit of single atoms, we study spin-dependent interactions between individual magnetic atoms on metal surfaces, in diluted magnetic semiconductors, on surfaces of magnetic insulators, as well as between single atom tips and ultracold quantum gases. Besides the investigation of static spin states and spin interactions, we manipulate spin states in a controlled manner down to the single atom limit by making use of the spin-transfer torque exerted by spin-currents from an atomically sharp SP-STM tip across a vacuum barrier.
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