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Molecular spintronics using single-molecule magnets

Nature Materials volume 7, pages 179–186 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

A revolution in electronics is in view, with the contemporary evolution of the two novel disciplines of spintronics and molecular electronics. A fundamental link between these two fields can be established using molecular magnetic materials and, in particular, single-molecule magnets. Here, we review the first progress in the resulting field, molecular spintronics, which will enable the manipulation of spin and charges in electronic devices containing one or more molecules. We discuss the advantages over more conventional materials, and the potential applications in information storage and processing. We also outline current challenges in the field, and propose convenient schemes to overcome them.

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Figure 1: Representative examples of the peripheral functionalization of the outer organic shell of the [Mn12O12(CH3COO)16 (H2O)4] SMM (centre).
Figure 2: Transport experiments on SMMs.
Figure 3: Spin valves based on molecular magnets.
Figure 4: Multidot devices.

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Acknowledgements

This work is partially financed by ANR-PNANO, Contract MolSpintronics No. ANR-06-NANO-27 and by EC-RTN QUEMOLNA Contract No. MRTN-CT-2003-504880. L.B. acknowledges E.U. support through the EIF-041565-'MoST' Marie Curie fellowship.

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  1. Institut Néel, CNRS & Université Joseph Fourier, BP 166, 25 Avenue des Martyrs, GRENOBLE, 38042, Cedex 9, France

    Lapo Bogani & Wolfgang Wernsdorfer

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Bogani, L., Wernsdorfer, W. Molecular spintronics using single-molecule magnets. Nature Mater 7, 179–186 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/nmat2133

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