Persistence of slow dynamics in Tb(OETAP)$_2$ single molecule magnets embedded in conducting polymers

TL;DR

This study investigates the spin dynamics of Tb(OETAP)$_2$ single molecule magnets both in bulk and embedded in a conducting polymer, revealing persistent slow magnetic fluctuations suitable for organic spintronics applications.

Contribution

It demonstrates that embedding Tb(OETAP)$_2$ in a conducting polymer preserves its slow spin dynamics, highlighting potential for hybrid organic spintronic devices.

Findings

High temperature activated spin fluctuation with ~320 K energy barrier

Low temperature tunneling regime persists in embedded system

Energy barrier slightly decreases upon embedding in polymer

Abstract

The spin dynamics of Tb(OETAP)$_2$ single ion magnets was investigated by means of muon spin resonance ($\mu$SR) both in the bulk material as well as when the system is embedded into PEDOT:PSS polymer conductor. The characteristic spin fluctuation time is characterized by a high temperature activated trend, with an energy barrier around 320 K, and by a low temperature tunneling regime. When the single ion magnet is embedded into the polymer the energy barrier only slightly decreases and the fluctuation time remains of the same order of magnitude even at low temperature. This finding shows that these single molecule magnets preserve their characteristics which, if combined with those of the conducting polymer, result in a hybrid material of potential interest for organic spintronics.