Molecular Based Magnets and their Quantum Spin Dynamics
Molecular based magnets are among the first examples of finite-size electron spin systems and have been test beds for investigating quantum spin dynamics[1]. A selection of such systems, highlighted for their intriguing magnetic properties, will be introduced. Focus will be placed on the application of molecular magnets to investigate the nature of exchange interactions. The reduction of exchange coupled magnetic systems to molecular based units provides a convenient means to characterise the fundamental aspects of magnetic exchange with respect to structural geometry and symmetry. Additionally the reduction of dimensionality introduces the possibility to investigate magnetism in a regime where quantum fluctuations are enhanced. A case study investigating the low symmetry case of exchange between highly anisotropic rare-earth metal ions and isotropic free radical spins will be presented. An overview of complex spin dynamics found within rings[2] and triangular grids[3] of metal ions will be introduced and explained including systems found to exhibit spin vortex chirality. All case studies will be explained from an experimentalist's perspective where inelastic neutron scattering, high frequency high field electron paramagnetic resonance and magnetisation measurements are key tools for the various investigations.
[1] Albert Furrer and O. Waldmann., Rev. Mod. Phys. 85, (2013), 367.
[2] M. L. Baker, et. al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 109, (2012), 19113.
[3] Liviu Ungur, et al, Chem. Soc. Rev., 43, (2014), 6894.