Interactions Between Mn_12-ac and Thin Gold Films: Using Mn_12-ac as Scattering Centers

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that Mn_12-acetate molecules on gold films act as scattering centers, reducing elastic scattering and increasing spin scattering, providing experimental evidence of molecular magnets influencing metallic conduction.

Contribution

First experimental demonstration of molecular magnets serving as scattering centers in a metallic film, with detailed magnetoresistance analysis.

Findings

Mn_12-acetate reduces elastic scattering in gold

Mn_12-acetate increases spin scattering in gold

Provides evidence of molecular magnets affecting electron transport

Abstract

We explore the electronic interactions between a thin gold film and a surface layer of the molecular magnet Mn_12-acetate. Magnetoresistance measurements of the gold allow characterization of the interactions by comparison with the theoretical predictions of weak localization. We find that the presence of Mn_12-acetate on the surface of the gold film leads to a reduction in elastic scattering while increasing the spin scattering of the conduction electrons. This is the first experimental evidence of molecular magnets being used as scattering centers for an adjacent metallic film.