STM Studies of Mn$_{12}$-Ph on Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite

ORAL

Abstract

$\mbox{Mn}_{12}\mbox{O}_{12}\mbox{(}\mbox{C}_6\mbox{H}_5\mbox{COO)}_{16}$ (referred to as $\mbox{Mn}_{12}\mbox{-Ph}$) has been deposited onto Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite (HOPG) which was then observed via Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM). $\mbox{Mn}_{12}\mbox{-Ph}$ displays tunneling of quantized magnetization below 3K. In other $\mbox{Mn}_{12}$ ligand variants this magnetic phenomenon can alter the electronic behavior of the molecule, making it a good candidate for a molecular logic gate. At room temperature, film formation was studied to optimize samples for subsequent low temperature studies. At 4.2K isolated objects were observed on the surface clearly distinct from the graphite lattice underneath. Spectroscopic data indicates a bias voltage dependence thought to be associated with metallic-core molecules.

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Authors

  • K. Reaves

    WPI-AIMR, Tohoku University, Japan and Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas A\&M University

  • K. Kim

    WPI-Advanced Institute of Materials Research, Tohoku University, Japan, WPI-AIMR, Tohoku University, Japan

  • Y.G. Kim

    WPI-AIMR, Tohoku University, Japan

  • K. Itaya

    WPI-AIMR, Tohoku University, Japan

  • K. Iwaya

    WPI-AIMR, Tohoku University, Japan

  • T. Hitosugi

    WPI-AIMR, Tohoku University, Japan

  • H. Zhao

    Department of Chemistry, Texas A\&M University

  • K.R. Dunbar

    Department of Chemistry, Texas A\&M University

  • W. Teizer

    WPI-Advanced Inst. of Materials Research, Tohoku University, Japan; Mat. Science and Engr. and Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, Texas A\&M University, WPI-AIMR, Tohoku University, Japan and Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas A\&M University