Tuning magnetic properties in molecular magnetic systems

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Uta Schlickum
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2010 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 166136759

The aim of the project is to investigate the fundamental static and dynamic electronic and magnetic properties of individual molecular magnetic systems on surfaces. In particular the spin-dependent electron transport through these structures will be studied on the atomic scale and under well defined conditions. We belief, this unexplored area can be accessed nowadays with the new generations of scanning tunneling microscopes working at low temperatures and under high magnetic fields. The main advantage of molecular magnetic entities compared to conventional magnetic nanosystems is their almost unlimited potential to tune magnetic properties of metal centers and organic surroundings due to the possibilities offered by supramolecular chemistry. We want to first investigate magnetic centers in relatively simple systems of metal-organic networks and than address the more complex structures of molecular nanomagnets. The final goal of the suggested project is the controlled addressing and manipulation of magnetic and electronic properties of individual magnetic centers embedded in an organic environment. In addition to fundamental findings, our results will provide information necessary for nowadays frequently discussed possible applications of molecular nanomagnets, e.g. spintronic devices and quantum computing.

• DFG Programme: Independent Junior Research Groups