Sensing Single-Molecule Magnets with Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers.

ABSTRACT: Single-molecule magnets (SMMs) are molecules that can function as nanoscale magnets with potential use as magnetic memory bits. While SMMs can retain magnetization at low temperatures, characterizing them on surfaces and at room temperature remains challenging and requires specialized nanoscale techniques. Here, we use single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond as a highly sensitive, broadband magnetic field sensor to detect the magnetic noise of cobalt-based SMMs deposited on a diamond surface. We measured the NV relaxation and decoherence times at 296 K and at 5-8 K, observing a significant influence of the SMMs on them. From this, we infer the SMMs' magnetic noise spectral density (NSD) and underlying magnetic properties. Moreover, we observe the effect of an applied magnetic field

SUBMITTER: Smooha A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12904096 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature