Time Crystals from single-molecule magnet arrays

TL;DR

This paper predicts the existence of discrete time-crystals in a periodically driven array of molecular magnets, revealing their potential as a nanoscale platform for studying out-of-equilibrium quantum phenomena.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical model for time-crystals in molecular magnet arrays with realistic parameters, expanding the scope beyond traditional atom-cavity systems.

Findings

Time-crystal response frequency depends on individual magnet energy levels.

Magnetization exhibits pulse-like oscillations independent of exchange coupling.

Molecular magnets can serve as a platform for out-of-equilibrium quantum dynamics.

Abstract

Time crystals, a unique non-equilibrium quantum phenomenon with promising applications in current quantum technologies, mark a significant advance in quantum mechanics. Although traditionally studied in atom-cavity and optical lattice systems, pursuing alternative nanoscale platforms for time crystals is crucial. Here we theoretically predict discrete time-crystals in a periodically driven molecular magnet array, modeled by a spin-S Heisenberg Hamiltonian with significant quadratic anisotropy, taken with realistic and experimentally relevant physical parameters. Surprisingly, we find that the time-crystal response frequency correlates with the energy levels of the individual magnets and is essentially independent of the exchange coupling. The latter is unexpectedly manifested through a pulse-like oscillation in the magnetization envelope, signaling a many-body response. These results show that molecular magnets can be a rich platform for studying time-crystalline behavior and possibly other out-of-equilibrium quantum many-body dynamics.