Spin-communication channels between Ln(III) bis-phthalocyanines molecular nanomagnets and a magnetic substrate

• DOI: 10.1038/srep21740
• Publication Date: 2016-02-24T10:36:09Z
• Authors: A. Candini; D. Klar; S. Marocchi; V. Corradini; R. Biagi; V. De Renzi; U. del Pennino; F. Troiani; V. Bellini; S. Klyatskaya; M. Ruben; K. Kummer; N. B. Brookes; H. Huang; A. Soncini; H. Wende; M. Affronte
• Keywords: [PHYS]Physics [physics]; Technology; ddc:600; Multidisciplinary; 600; 02 engineering and technology; Physik (inkl. Astronomie); 01 natural sciences; Article; 620; 0104 chemical sciences; info:eu-repo/classification/ddc/600; SINGLE; SURFACE; SPINTRONICS; TRANSISTOR; BEHAVIOR; MOMENT; TBPC2; FILMS; 0210 nano-technology

AbstractLearning the art of exploiting the interplay between different units at the atomic scale is a fundamental step in the realization of functional nano-architectures and interfaces. In this context, understanding and controlling the magnetic coupling between molecular centers and their environment is still a challenging task. Here we present a combined experimental-theoretical work on the prototypical case of the bis(phthalocyaninato)-lanthanide(III) (LnPc2) molecular nanomagnets magnetically coupled to a Ni substrate. By means of X-ray magnetic circular dichroism we show how the coupling strength can be tuned by changing the Ln ion. The microscopic parameters of the system are determined by ab-initio calculations and then used in a spin Hamiltonian approach to interpret the experimental data. By this combined approach we identify the features of the spin communication channel: the spin path is first realized by the mediation of the external (5d) electrons of the Ln ion, keeping the characteristic features of the inner 4 f orbitals unaffected, then through the organic ligand, acting as a bridge to the external world.