Manipulating the Spin Orientation of Co Atoms Using Monatomic Cu Chains

Area of Science:

• Quantum Information Science
• Surface Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Controlling the spin of individual atoms is crucial for quantum information nanotechnology.
• Magnetic concepts are fundamental to manipulating atomic spins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate control over the spin orientation of single cobalt (Co) atoms attached to monatomic copper (Cu) chains.
• To investigate the influence of the atomic environment and spin-orbit coupling (SOC) on atomic spin orientation.

Main Methods:

• Inelastic tunneling spectroscopy (ITS) was used to probe spin orientation.
• Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to model and reproduce findings.
• Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) calculations were used to assess the Kondo effect.

Main Results:

• Single Co atoms on monatomic Cu chains exhibited controlled spin orientation influenced by the atomic environment.
• Spin-orbit coupling (SOC) tilted the atomic spin by approximately 58° from the surface normal toward the chain.
• SOC was found to suppress the Kondo effect in Co atoms on both Cu chains and flat surfaces.

Conclusions:

• The study demonstrates the ability to manipulate atomic-scale magnetic moments on surfaces.
• Findings impact the fundamental understanding of low-energy excitations in nanostructures.
• The results have significant implications for the development of quantum devices.