Energy emanating from the molecular nanomagnet Fe$_{8}$ revisited

TL;DR

This study investigates the energy release from the molecular nanomagnet Fe$_{8}$, finding no electromagnetic radiation emission and confirming thermal energy release during state transitions, with longer duration for higher excited states.

Contribution

The paper provides experimental evidence that transitions in Fe$_{8}$ nanomagnet release only thermal energy, challenging previous claims of electromagnetic radiation emission.

Findings

No electromagnetic radiation detected during transitions.

Energy release is purely thermal, not electromagnetic.

Longer energy release duration for higher excited states.

Abstract

In the molecular nanomagnet Fe$_{8}$ tunneling can occur from a metastable state to an excited state followed by a transition to the ground state. This transition is accompanied by an energy release of $115.6$GHz. We constructed an experimental setup to measure whether this energy is released in the form of thermal or electromagnetic energy. Contrary to a previous publication we find no evidence for release of electromagnetic radiation. Our results for transitions between the first and second excited states to the ground state are consistent with a release of only thermal energy. This energy release extends for a longer time for the second excited state than for the first excited state.