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Quantum spin-engineering in on-surface molecular ferrimagnets

Author

Listed:
  • Wantong Huang

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT))

  • Máté Stark

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT))

  • Paul Greule

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT))

  • Kwan Ho Au-Yeung

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT))

  • Daria Sostina

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
    Institute for Quantum Materials and Technologies)

  • José Reina Gálvez

    (Institute for Basic Science (IBS)
    Ewha Womans University)

  • Christoph Sürgers

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT))

  • Wolfgang Wernsdorfer

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
    Institute for Quantum Materials and Technologies)

  • Christoph Wolf

    (Institute for Basic Science (IBS)
    Ewha Womans University)

  • Philip Willke

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
    Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)

Abstract

The design and control of atomic-scale spin structures constitute major challenges for spin-based quantum technology platforms, including quantum dots, color centers, and molecular spins. Here, we showcase a strategy for designing the quantum properties of molecular spin qubits by combining tip-assisted on-surface assembly with electron spin resonance scanning tunneling microscopy (ESR-STM): We fabricate magnetic dimer complexes that consist of an iron phthalocyanine (FePc) molecule and an organometallic half-sandwich complex formed by the FePc ligand and an attached iron atom, Fe(C6H6). The total complex forms a mixed-spin (1/2,1) quantum ferrimagnet with a well-separated correlated ground state doublet, which we utilize for coherent control. As a result of the correlation, the quantum ferrimagnet shows an improved spin lifetime ( > 1.5 μs) as it is partially protected against inelastic electron scattering. Lastly, the ferrimagnet units also enable intermolecular coupling, that can be used to realize both ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic structures. Thus, quantum ferrimagnets provide a versatile platform to improve coherent control in general and to study complex magnetic interactions.

Suggested Citation

  • Wantong Huang & Máté Stark & Paul Greule & Kwan Ho Au-Yeung & Daria Sostina & José Reina Gálvez & Christoph Sürgers & Wolfgang Wernsdorfer & Christoph Wolf & Philip Willke, 2025. "Quantum spin-engineering in on-surface molecular ferrimagnets," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60409-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60409-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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