Research Of Defects At “Spinterface” Can Open Doors For New Applications

The team of researchers working at the University of Tubingen” recently made a deep study of a magnetic interface between a completely organic magnet and titanium oxide crystals situated inside the rutile form. They discovered that the area of transition where the two materials met each other was highly sensitive to minor defects inside the surfaces. Dr. Benedetta Casu explains, “Purely organic radicals are interesting in a whole lot of applications. They can be used in storage elements, batteries, sensors and for biomedical applications. They could also be used in the construction of a quantum computer.”

 

 

The magnets derived from organic materials come with numerous advantages as compared to those abstracted from alloy magnets or classic metals. These are more adjustable chemically, economic in terms of manufacturing, and capable of better adaptability for different designs and purposes. Practically, the researchers wish to implement both kinds of magnets in spintronic elements and electronics. 

 

The research team looked into the interface between an organic radical and single rutile crystal with the help of high resolution x-ray spectroscopy method that works in combination with theoretical calculations. The founders like to call this link between organic magnets and conventional magnets  as “spinterface’ – a combination of ideas based on both interface and spin. Dr. Casu further explains, “In this experiment, organic radicals are held in place physically, and the magnetic momentum was maintained between the different materials, In that case, the organic radical bonded chemically with the reactive point of the defect, wiping out the magnetic momentum.” 

 

He also explains that  if we are aware of the problem we can overlook it. For instance, deposition of some similar materials over native SiO2 surfaces that are inert and flat, the magnetic moment can stay well intact. The surface can be passivated with distinct materials, a procedure normally followed in the organic field effect transistors. You can always modify the magnets chemically for attaching those with the surfaces through another functional group. It leaves behind the part that keeps the magnetic moment intact.