Atomically crafted spin lattices as model systems for quantum magnetism

TL;DR

This paper reviews the development of atomically crafted spin lattices as experimental models for quantum magnetism, highlighting recent achievements and future prospects in manipulating magnetic atoms with scanning tunnelling microscopy.

Contribution

It provides an overview of tools and recent progress in creating and studying artificial spin structures for quantum magnetism research.

Findings

Demonstrated magnetic switching in a bistable atomistic system

Showed how to infer tip magnetization from magnetic switching data

Reviewed recent advances in atomically engineered spin lattices

Abstract

Low-dimensional quantum magnetism presents a seemingly unlimited source of rich, intriguing physics. Yet, as realistic experimental representations are hard to come by, the field remains predominantly theoretical. In recent years, artificial spin structures built through manipulation of magnetic atoms in a scanning tunnelling microscope have developed into a promising testing ground for experimental verification of theoretical models. Here we present an overview of available tools and discuss recent achievements as well as future avenues. Moreover, we show new observations on magnetic switching in a bistable bit that can be used to extrapolate information on the magnetisation of the microscope tip.