Magnetic Anisotropy and Magnetization Dynamics of Individual Atoms and Clusters of Fe and Co on Pt(111)

TL;DR

This study investigates the magnetic anisotropy and spin dynamics of Fe and Co atoms, dimers, and trimers on Pt(111), revealing giant anisotropies but short excited state lifetimes due to hybridization effects.

Contribution

It provides combined experimental and theoretical insights into the magnetic properties and lifetimes of small Fe and Co clusters on Pt(111).

Findings

Giant magnetic anisotropies observed in individual atoms and clusters.

Short lifetimes of excited states caused by hybridization-induced scattering.

Experimental and theoretical results show a trade-off between anisotropy and stability.

Abstract

The recently discovered giant magnetic anisotropy of single magnetic Co atoms raises the hope of magnetic storage in small clusters. We present a joint experimental and theoretical study of the magnetic anisotropy and the spin dynamics of Fe and Co atoms, dimers, and trimers on Pt(111). Giant anisotropies of individual atoms and clusters as well as lifetimes of the excited states were determined with inelastic scanning tunneling spectroscopy. The short lifetimes due to hybridization-induced electron-electron scattering oppose the magnetic stability provided by the magnetic anisotropies.