Journal Article

FZJ-2015-03793

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png A theoretical study of the dynamical switching of a single spin by exchange forces

Wieser, R. (Corresponding Author) ; Caciuc, V.FZJ* ; Lazo, C. ; Hölscher, H. ; Vedmedenko, E. Y. ; Wiesendanger, R.

2013
Dt. Physikalische Ges. [Bad Honnef]

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Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/8856  doi:10.1088/1367-2630/15/1/013011

Abstract: We demonstrate the possibility of dynamically switching the spin of a single atom or molecule with the magnetic tip of an atomic force microscope making use of the acting exchange forces. We choose single V-, Nb- and Ta-benzene molecules as model systems and calculate the exchange interaction with an Fe tip using density functional theory. The exchange energy displays a Bethe?Slater-type behavior with ferromagnetic coupling at large tip?sample distance and antiferromagnetic coupling at closer proximity. The exchange energies reach maximum values of a few tens of meV, which allows one to switch single spins by overcoming the energy barrier due to the magneto-crystalline anisotropy. The spin dynamics of the system was explored by solving the time-dependent Schr?dinger equation with additional Landau?Lifshitz-like spin relaxation. We find that the distance dependence of the exchange interaction as well as the appearance of quantum tunneling results in different scenarios for the switching behavior, e.g. the tip can switch the adatom or lead to a stable superposition state with zero magnetization.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Quanten-Theorie der Materialien (IAS-1)
2. Quanten-Theorie der Materialien (PGI-1)

Research Program(s):

1. 422 - Spin-based and quantum information (POF2-422) (POF2-422)

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Database coverage:
; ; ; ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Thomson Reuters Master Journal List ; Web of Science Core Collection

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