Magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy on the Cr₈ antiferromagnetic ring

Spectroscopic techniques to probe magnetic anisotropy and spin-phonon coupling in metal complexes

Magnetism of molecular quantum materials such as single-molecule magnets (SMMs) has been actively studied for potential applications in the new generation of high-density data storage using SMMs and quantum information science. Magnetic anisotropy and spin-phonon coupling are two key properties of d- and f-metal complexes. Here, phonons refer to both intermolecular and intramolecular vibrations. Direct determination of magnetic anisotropy and experimental studies of spin-phonon coupling are critical to the understanding of molecular magnetism. This article discusses our recent approach in using three complementary techniques, far-IR and Raman magneto-spectroscopies (FIRMS and RaMS, respectively) and inelastic neutron scatterings (INS), to determine magnetic excited states. Spin-phonon couplings are observed in FIRMS and RaMS. DFT phonon calculations give energies and symmetries of phonons as well as calculated INS spectra which help identify magnetic peaks in experimental INS spectra.

Toward Magneto-Optical Cryogenic Thermometers with High Sensitivity: A Magnetic Circular Dichroism Based Thermometric Approach

Remote temperature probing at the cryogenic range is of utmost importance for the advancement of future quantum technologies. Despite the notable achievements in luminescent thermometers, accurately measuring temperatures below 10 K remains a challenging endeavor. In this study, we propose a novel magneto-optical thermometric approach based on the magnetic-circular dichroism (MCD) technique, which offers unprecedented capabilities for meticulous temperature variation analysis at cryogenic temperatures. The inherent temperature sensitivity of the MCD C-term, in conjunction with both positive and negative signals, enables highly sensitive magneto-optical temperature probing. Additionally, a groundbreaking relative thermal sensitivity value of 95.3 % K-1 at 2.54 K can be achieved using a mononuclear lanthanide complex, [[Ho(acac)3 (phen)], in the presence of a 0.25 T applied magnetic field and using a combination of multiparametric thermal read-out with multiple regression. These results unequivocally demonstrate the viability and effectiveness of our methodology for cryogenic temperature sensing.

Aufbau vs. non-Aufbau ground states in two-coordinate d7 single-molecule magnets

Magnetic anisotropy is generated in two related d7 single-molecule magnets; (1) via 3d-4s orbital mixing in FeI; and (2) a non-Aufbau ground state in CoII, demonstrating that the electronic configurations are large retained independent of geometry.

Chromium(iii)-based potential molecular quantum bits with long coherence times

Molecular quantum bits based on copper(ii) or vanadium(iv) have been shown to possess long coherence times on multiple occasions. In contrast, studies in which non-spin-½ ions are employed are relatively scarce. High-spin ions provide additional states that can be used to encode further quantum bits. Furthermore, an optical rather than a microwave readout of molecular quantum bits is highly desirable, because in principle it could allow addressing at the single quantum bit level. The chromium(iii) complex [Cr(ddpd)2]3+ (ddpd = N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-dipyridine-2-yl-pyridine-2,6-diamine) combines both the large spin (S = 3/2) and optical activity (strong, long lived luminescence). Here we demonstrate that the compound possesses coherence times of up to 8.4(1) μs, which are much longer (at least three times) than those for other chromium(iii)-based compounds. On the other hand, it is proved to be impossible to read out or influence the quantum state by optical means, underlining that further work is needed in this direction.

Calix[n]arene-based polyradicals: enhancing ferromagnetism by avoiding edge effects

The absence of edges in circular structures derived from 1,3-arylmethyl polyradical results in realistic molecules showing largely stabilized high-spin ground states.

Magneto-optical investigations of molecular nanomagnet monolayers

We report field-dependent magnetization measurements on monolayers of [Dy(Pc)2] on quartz, prepared by the Langmuir-Blodgett technique. The films are thoroughly characterized by means of X-ray reflectivity and atomic force microscopy. The magnetisation of the sample is measured through the magnetic circular dichroism of a ligand-based electronic transition.

A four-coordinate cobalt(II) single-ion magnet with coercivity and a very high energy barrier

Single-molecule magnets display magnetic bistability of molecular origin, which may one day be exploited in magnetic data storage devices. Recently it was realised that increasing the magnetic moment of polynuclear molecules does not automatically lead to a substantial increase in magnetic bistability. Attention has thus increasingly focussed on ions with large magnetic anisotropies, especially lanthanides. In spite of large effective energy barriers towards relaxation of the magnetic moment, this has so far not led to a big increase in magnetic bistability. Here we present a comprehensive study of a mononuclear, tetrahedrally coordinated cobalt(II) single-molecule magnet, which has a very high effective energy barrier and displays pronounced magnetic bistability. The combined experimental-theoretical approach enables an in-depth understanding of the origin of these favourable properties, which are shown to arise from a strong ligand field in combination with axial distortion. Our findings allow formulation of clear design principles for improved materials.

Bistable single-molecule magnets potentially allow information storage at extremely high densities. Here, the authors study an air- and moisture-stable mononuclear tetrahedral cobalt(II) complex, elucidating the origin of its pronounced magnetic bistability.