MS-043: Molecular magnets: new phenomena and applications

Co-Chairs: Yuko Hosokoshi

Sponsoring Commission: Magnetic Structures

Co-Sponsoring Commission: Crystallography of Materials

Molecular-based magnets have generated intense interest in recent years because of the technological possibilities they suggest in the emerging field of molecular spintronics. These are materials that combine intrinsic properties of molecular solids, such as nanoscopic size, low density, synthetic versatility, and optical transparency, with one or more physical properties of practical utility. Among the properties that have stimulated the greatest interest are optical, electrical, and magnetic properties, whether cooperative (such as ferromagnetism or superconductivity) or non-cooperative (such as superparamagnetism or spin glass behavior). Recently, materials have been obtained that combine electric and magnetic properties (molecular multiferroics), optical and magnetic properties, and even magnetic properties in systems with intramolecular electron transfer. In these multifunctional materials, mutual influences or synergies between the properties involved may enable the development of nanoscopic devices such as molecular switches or spin filters.