CoIr-carbon complexes with magnetic anisotropies larger than 0.2 eV: a density-functional-theory prediction

TL;DR

This study uses density functional theory to predict that CoIr-carbon complexes exhibit magnetic anisotropies exceeding 0.2 eV, indicating potential for stable data storage at liquid nitrogen temperatures.

Contribution

First prediction of large magnetic anisotropy in CoIr-carbon complexes using density functional theory.

Findings

Magnetic anisotropy > 0.2 eV per dimer

Ir atom retains free-atom-like properties

Potential for long-term data storage at liquid nitrogen temperatures

Abstract

We report a density-functional study of the heteronuclear CoIr dimer adsorbed on benzene or graphene. In either case CoIr prefers an upright position above the center of a carbon hexagon with the Co atom next to it. The Ir atom stays away from the carbon ring and thus preserves its free-atom-like properties. This results in a very large magnetic anisotropy of more than 0.2 eV per dimer. So high a value should suffice for long-term data storage at the temperature of liquid nitrogen.