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Spatially dependent f-π exchange interaction within a single-molecule magnet TbPc2.
Xin Liao1, Yun Chen2, Tao Xie1
1School of Physics and Wuhan National High Magnetic Field Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Nature Communications
|July 7, 2025
Summary
Researchers explored the spin state of rare-earth molecules for quantum applications. They discovered a switchable, spatially dependent interaction between electron spins in terbium(III) bis(phthalocyaninato) (TbPc2) molecules, crucial for spintronics.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Probing the spin state of localized f electrons in rare-earth molecules is vital for quantum information and spintronics.
- Understanding intramolecular magnetic coupling in single-molecule magnets (SMMs) is experimentally challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally demonstrate and theoretically describe a spatially dependent exchange interaction in a TbPc2 SMM.
- To investigate the f-π interaction and its effect on the Kondo resonance and molecular spin state.
Main Methods:
- Utilized scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to probe a TbPc2 molecule on bilayer graphene/SiC.
- Analyzed spectroscopic Kondo resonance and zero-field Kondo splitting to detect magnetic states.
- Developed theoretical models to describe the evolution of Kondo resonance and f-π exchange interaction.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a spatially dependent exchange interaction between Tb 4f electrons and Pc π-radicals in TbPc2.
- Observed reversible switching of the magnetic state via a charge/discharge process controlled by tip-molecule distance.
- Characterized the radial decay of the f-π exchange interaction strength.
Conclusions:
- Spatially resolved Kondo characteristics provide quantitative understanding of many-body spin correlation in complex molecular systems.
- The f-π interaction is key to the observed magnetic phenomena and can be controlled externally.
- This work advances the development of molecular spintronics and quantum information technologies.
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