Quantum spin coherence in halogen-modified Cr$_7$Ni molecular nanomagnets

TL;DR

This study investigates how replacing hydrogen with deuterium or halogens in Cr$_7$Ni molecular nanomagnets affects quantum spin coherence, revealing the influence of nuclear spins, magnetic moments, and molecular dynamics.

Contribution

It demonstrates how nuclear spin environment modifications impact quantum coherence in molecular nanomagnets, providing insights for optimizing quantum properties.

Findings

Deuterium and halogen substitutions alter spin coherence.

Nuclear spin and magnetic moment significantly influence coherence.

Molecular morphology changes also affect quantum coherence.

Abstract

Among the factors determining the quantum coherence of the spin in molecular magnets is the presence and the nature of nuclear spins in the molecule. We have explored modifying the nuclear spin environment in Cr$_7$Ni-based molecular nanomagnets by replacing hydrogen atoms with deuterium or the halogen atoms, fluorine or chlorine. We find that the spin coherence, studied at low temperatures by pulsed electron spin resonance, is modified by a range of factors, including nuclear spin and magnetic moment, changes in dynamics owing to nuclear mass, and molecular morphology changes.