NIRT: Molecular Spin-Active Nanoelectronics

University Of California-Berkeley, Berkeley CA

Investigators

Abstract

This NIRT proposal focuses on new nanodevices that use molecular quantum spin as the active element in combined magnetic-molecule/inorganic heterostructures. The research will be carried out by an interdisciplinary team that includes members from the Physics, Chemistry, and Materials Science Departments of U.C. Berkeley and Harvard, as well as the Microscopy group at the IBM Almaden Research Center. New magnetic molecules will be synthesized that have electronic and spin properties tailored for particular device characteristics. New techniques will be developed to control these molecules and incorporate them into surface and interface configurations for device applications. Investigations will be made into the fundamental properties of magnetic molecules interacting with inorganic surfaces in various device geometries. Intellectual Merit of these activities lie in the fact that completely new nanoscale spin systems will be explored, providing access to new physical regimes and new device possibilities. Molecular analogs to giant magnetoresistance, spin-valve behavior, and spin-torque switching will be explored, as well as new molecular phenomena that has not yet been observed or evaluated in a device setting. Broader Impacts of the research lie in education and outreach, as well as in the impact on other scientific fields and the engineering community. Training will be provided to graduate students, undergraduates, and postdoctoral fellows in an interdisciplinary environment that includes a strong exposure to industry through direct collaboration with researchers at the IBM Almaden Research Center. Outreach and educational efforts by senior investigators will include the creation of new educational materials in nanoscience and technology. The development of new classes of magnetic molecules and new techniques to create coupled molecular nanostructures with tunable magnetic properties will impact a broad range of scientific and engineering activities, including spintronics, information storage, quantum information processing, and molecular electronics.