Magnetic States in Double Metal Ion Single-Molecule Junctions

Prof. Dr. Heiko B. Weber, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg [Homepage]

Dr. Mario Ruben, Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe [Homepage]

We perform single-molecule junction experiments. We want to continue our
work on charge states in single-molecule junctions which we initiated in the first
funding period and to extend it to a new class of physical effects, using a similar class
of molecules: coupled magnetic states in single-molecule junctions and their
consequences on electrical transport. The main goal of this project extension is the
control of antiferromagnetic/ferromagnetic (AF/FE) magnetic states in single-molecule
junctions by applying external fields and to investigate the consequences of the change
of the spin state on single molecule electrical transport. We will approach this goal by
two means: First, we will continue to redesign the experimental setup such that both an
electrical and an external magnetic field can act as a gate parameter. Second, we will
design and synthesize molecules which provide well-defined magnetic states, accessible
by finite magnetic fields in a two-terminal and three-terminal transport experiment. The
overall device set up consisting in nano-contact, magnetic field and switchable
molecules may have the potential to act as a magnetically steered spin valve. We expect
an interplay of electrostatic and magnetic effects on the single molecule level. The
starting parameters have to be carefully tuned by a suitable design of the binuclear
molecule.