Magnetic avalanches of minor fast-relaxing species of Mn12-acetate

TL;DR

This study investigates the local temperature and magnetization dynamics of magnetic avalanches in Mn12-acetate, revealing that minor species avalanches can catalyze the major species avalanches, using time-resolved measurements.

Contribution

It introduces an experimental protocol to distinguish and study different avalanche types simultaneously in Mn12-acetate, highlighting the catalytic role of minor species avalanches.

Findings

Minor species avalanches act as catalysts for major species avalanches.

Time-resolved measurements distinguish avalanche types.

Experimental protocol enables simultaneous study of multiple avalanche types.

Abstract

Using micron-sized thermometers and Hall bars, we report time-resolved studies of the local temperature and local magnetization for two types of magnetic avalanches (abrupt spin reversals) in the molecular magneti Mn12-acetate, corresponding to avalanches of the main slow-relaxing crystalline form and avalanches of the fast-relaxing minor species that exists in all as-grown crystals of this material. An experimental protocol is used that allows the study of each type of avalanche without triggering avalanches in the other, and of both types of avalanches simultaneously. In samples prepared magnetically to enable both types of avalanches, minor species avalanches are found to act as a catalyst for the major species avalanches. magnetically to enable both types of avalanches, minor species avalanches are found to act as a catalyst for the major species avalanches.