Quantum Tunneling of Magnetization in Single Molecular Magnets Coupled to Ferromagnetic Reservoirs

TL;DR

This paper theoretically investigates how spin-polarized reservoirs influence quantum tunneling of magnetization in single molecular magnets, revealing effects on spin reversal and charge transfer between leads.

Contribution

It introduces a model coupling SMMs to ferromagnetic reservoirs and analyzes how exchange interactions affect QTM and charge transfer.

Findings

Exchange interaction influences spin reversal in SMMs.

Quantum tunneling is affected by spin-polarized reservoirs.

Charge transfer occurs during magnetization switching.

Abstract

The role of spin polarized reservoirs in quantum tunneling of magnetization and relaxation processes in a single molecular magnet (SMM) is investigated theoretically. The SMM is exchange-coupled to the reservoirs and also subjected to a magnetic field varying in time, which enables the quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM). The spin relaxation times are calculated from the Fermi golden rule. The exchange interaction with tunneling electrons is shown to affect the spin reversal due to QTM. Furthermore, it is shown that the switching is associated with transfer of a certain charge between the leads.