The Role of Electron Correlation Beyond the Active Space in Achieving Quantitative Predictions of Spin-Phonon Relaxation

TL;DR

This paper investigates how electron correlation beyond the active space affects the accuracy of predicting spin-phonon relaxation in single-molecule magnets, using advanced multiconfigurational methods to improve theoretical-experimental agreement.

Contribution

It provides the first systematic analysis of post-CASSCF electron correlation effects on spin relaxation in SMMs, highlighting their importance for accurate predictions.

Findings

Post-CASSCF methods improve predictions for Co(II)-based SMMs.

Accurate modeling of Dy(III)-based SMMs requires additional effects.

Electron correlation significantly influences spin-phonon relaxation rates.

Abstract

Single-molecule magnets (SMMs) are promising candidates for molecular-scale data storage and processing due to their strong magnetic anisotropy and long spin relaxation times. However, as temperature rises, interactions between electronic states and lattice vibrations accelerate spin relaxation, significantly limiting their practical applications. Recently, ab initio simulations have made it possible to advance our understanding of phonon-induced magnetic relaxation, but significant deviations from experiments have often been observed. The description of molecules' electronic structure has been mostly based on complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) calculations, and the impact of electron correlation beyond the active space remains largely unexplored. In this study, we provide the first systematic investigation of spin-phonon relaxation in SMMs with post-CASSCF multiconfigurational methods, specifically CAS followed by second-order perturbation theory and multiconfiguration pair-density functional theory. Taking Co(II)- and Dy(III)-based SMMs as case studies, we analyze how electron correlation influences spin-phonon relaxation rates across a range of temperatures, comparing theoretical predictions with experimental observations. Our findings demonstrate that post-CASSCF treatments make it possible to achieve quantitative predictions for Co(II)-based SMMs. For Dy(III)-based systems, however, accurate predictions require consideration of additional effects, underscoring the urgent necessity of further advancing the study of the effects of electronic correlation in these complex systems.