ELEctrically ConTRolled magnetic Anisotropy

Introduction

ELECTRA aims at understanding and controlling the interaction between magnetic molecules and electric fields, called the Spin-Electric (SE) effect. Molecules have several characteristics that make them appealing for information technology:

• Small size
• Monodispersity
• Chemical tunability
• Quantum behaviour

Nowadays, electric fields are the most environmentally friendly and precise way to target a single molecule. Therefore, understanding how to tailor and control the SE effects will trigger the design of less energy-demanding, more efficient, and smaller devices.

Current Challenges

However, the SE effects on molecules are still poorly explored and rationalized, largely due to the absence of a generally applicable experimental technique.

Proposed Solution

This project proposes the realization of a novel experimental technique to detect SE effects on any magnetically anisotropic material, with no a priori restrictions. The versatility of the technique will allow the study of both single crystals and thin films, which is vital in the perspective of using these systems in nanostructures.

Research Plan

A rational synthetic plan will exploit the versatility of chemistry to unravel the role and importance of three chemically tunable properties on the onset of the SE effects in coordination complexes:

1. Spin-orbit coupling
2. Nature of the donor atoms
3. Structural rigidity

Moreover, the effect of temperature and magnetic field on the SE effects will be assessed using super-sensitive molecular probes.

Methodology

The rationalization of the effect will be obtained by combining ab initio calculations and phenomenological models.

Expected Outcomes

The positive completion of ELECTRA will deliver an unprecedented understanding of the SE effects in molecules and chemical guidelines for synthesizing highly performant molecular architectures with SE effects on-demand to be used in the field of information technology.