Local magnetic spectroscopy of individual organometallic molecules with spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Germar Hoffmann
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2004 to 2008
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5441109

In this project our primary goal is to establish spin polarized scanning tunnelling microscopy as a tool for local magnetic characterization of molecular systems. STM is used to address individual atoms and single molecules at an atomic scale. SP-STM, developed in this group, can address also the spin states with atomic precision. We intend to develop SP-STM further and to apply it for the fist time to magnetic molecular systems as a cross link between chemistry and surface science physics. In cooperation with the group of Prof. M. Bröring we will study simple paramagnetic molecules based on porphyrinoids. Porphyrinoids are ideally suited to apply the technique of local magnetic spectroscopy with SP-STM. Macrocyclic porphyrinoids like phthalocyanines or corroles are simple and flat molecules with a metallic center as spin donator. This is desired for first experiments to have large magnetic signals since we directly address the electronic shells. For future experiments we will also have access to more complex systems in cooperation with the groups of Prof. Saalfrank and Prof. Gatteschi.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Roland Wiesendanger