Single-Molecule Magnets (SMMs) and Single-Ion Magnets (SIMs)

Single-Molecule Magnets (SMMs) and Single-Ion Magnets (SIMs) are molecules that combine the macroscopic properties of bulk magnets with the quantum mechanical properties of molecules. Our aim in this project is to i) tune the magnetic properties of lanthanide SIMs [1-5] by controlling the crystal field through ligand design and ii) test their interaction with different surface substrates when deposited as thin films. The resulting magnetic properties of the lanthanide SIMs and their films will be measured in Glasgow (SIMs) and Leeds (films). The big challenge in lanthanide SIMs is to suppress the unwanted magnetic relaxation that occurs via quantum tunnelling of the magnetisation (QTM) and spin-phonon (Raman) relaxation processes. Hence, the ultimate aim of our project is to use the crystal field design and/or molecule/surface interface to modify the spin-phonon interaction and hence to improve the blocking temperature of these magnetic molecules.