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Tracking nuclear motion in single-molecule magnets using femtosecond X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Author

Listed:
  • Kyle Barlow

    (University of Edinburgh)

  • Ryan Phelps

    (University of Edinburgh)

  • Julien Eng

    (Newcastle University)

  • Tetsuo Katayama

    (Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute
    RIKEN SPring-8 Center)

  • Erica Sutcliffe

    (University of Edinburgh)

  • Marco Coletta

    (University of Edinburgh)

  • Euan K. Brechin

    (University of Edinburgh)

  • Thomas J. Penfold

    (Newcastle University)

  • J. Olof Johansson

    (University of Edinburgh)

Abstract

The development of new data storage solutions is crucial for emerging digital technologies. Recently, all-optical magnetic switching has been achieved in dielectrics, proving to be faster than traditional methods. Despite this, single-molecule magnets (SMMs), which are an important class of magnetic materials due to their nanometre size, remain underexplored for ultrafast photomagnetic switching. Herein, we report femtosecond time-resolved K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (TR-XAS) on a Mn(III)-based trinuclear SMM. Exploiting the elemental specificity of XAS, we directly track nuclear dynamics around the metal ions and show that the ultrafast dynamics upon excitation of a crystal-field transition are dominated by a magnetically active Jahn-Teller mode. Our results, supported by simulations, reveal minute bond length changes from 0.01 to 0.05 Å demonstrating the sensitivity of the method. These geometrical changes are discussed in terms of magneto-structural relationships and consequently our results illustrate the importance of TR-XAS for the emerging area of ultrafast molecular magnetism.

Suggested Citation

  • Kyle Barlow & Ryan Phelps & Julien Eng & Tetsuo Katayama & Erica Sutcliffe & Marco Coletta & Euan K. Brechin & Thomas J. Penfold & J. Olof Johansson, 2024. "Tracking nuclear motion in single-molecule magnets using femtosecond X-ray absorption spectroscopy," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-48411-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48411-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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