# Electron-assisted magnetization tunneling in single spin systems

## TL;DR

This paper provides a theoretical analysis of the stability of single rare-earth magnetic atoms on surfaces, identifying symmetry and angular momentum conditions that enhance magnetic stability against electron interactions and external magnetic fields.

## Contribution

It introduces a general theoretical framework for understanding magnetic stability in single-atom systems considering symmetry, angular momentum, and external fields.

## Key findings

- Certain symmetry and angular momentum combinations confer inherent stability.
- External magnetic fields influence the magnetic stability.
- Theoretical insights into electron scattering effects on single-atom magnetization.

## Abstract

Magnetic excitations of single atoms on surfaces have been widely studied experimentally in the past decade. Lately, systems with unprecedented magnetic stability started to emerge. Here, we present a general theoretical investigation of the stability of rare-earth magnetic atoms exposed to crystal or ligand fields of various symmetry and to exchange scattering with an electron bath. By analyzing the properties of the atomic wavefunction, we show that certain combinations of symmetry and total angular momentum are inherently stable against first or even higher order interactions with electrons. Further, we investigate the effect of an external magnetic field on the magnetic stability.