Spin-fluctuation and spin-relaxation effects of single adatoms from first principles

TL;DR

This paper reviews first-principles studies on single adatoms, focusing on spin-fluctuations, spin-relaxation, and their effects on magnetic stability and dynamics, with implications for quantum and spintronic applications.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of spin-fluctuation effects and spin-relaxation processes in single adatoms using time-dependent density functional theory, connecting theory with recent experiments.

Findings

Quantum zero-point spin-fluctuations influence magnetic anisotropy energy.

Spin-relaxation times are linked to electronic structure of adatoms and substrates.

Paramagnetic adatoms exhibit spin-fluctuation modes detectable by inelastic tunneling spectroscopy.

Abstract

Single adatoms offer an exceptional playground for studying magnetism and its associated dynamics at the atomic scale. Here we review recent results on single adatoms deposited on metallic substrates, based on time-dependent density functional theory. First we analyze quantum zero-point spin-fluctuations (ZPSF) as calculated from the fluctuation-dissipation theorem, and show how they affect the magnetic stability by modifying the magnetic anisotropy energy. We also assess the impact of ZPSF in the limit of small hybridization to the substrate characteristic of semi-insulating substrates, connecting to recent experimental investigations where magnetic stability of a single adatom was achieved for the first time. Secondly, we inspect further the dynamics of single adatoms by considering the longitudinal and transverse spin-relaxation processes, whose time-scales are analyzed and related to the underlying electronic structure of both the adatom and the substrate. Thirdly, we analyze spin-fluctuation modes of paramagnetic adatoms, i.e., adatoms where the Stoner criterion for magnetism is almost fulfilled. Interestingly, such modes can develop well-defined peaks in the meV range, their main characteristics being determined by two fundamental electronic properties, namely the Stoner parameter and the density of states at the Fermi level. Furthermore, simulated inelastic scanning tunneling spectroscopy curves reveal that these spin-fluctuation modes can be triggered by tunneling electrons, opening up potential applications also for paramagnetic adatoms. Lastly, an overview of the outstanding issues and future directions is given.