Research Projects

The ability to read and write quantum bits using electric fields has become a highly desirable technology. Electric fields can be applied on a local length scale, making it easier to manipulate individual quantum bits and faster and more energy-efficient. However, the detection of spin-electric effects requires an inversion center as a necessary criterion for observing electric field dependence of magnetic materials. Experimental investigations on spin-electric or magnetoelectric effects in chiral structures or asymmetric molecules are scarce. In 2019, Prof. Roberta Sessoli observed spin-electric coupling effects in a spin chain built up from magnetically isotropic manganeseII ions and stable organic nitronyl nitroxide radical ligands using the EFM-ESR technique. The versatile magnetic-photomagnetic characteristics of Prussian Blue analogues offer tremendous potential in quantum information technology. The present proposal aims to develop a series of chiral cyanido bridged heterobimetallic chains and investigate the possibility of modulating magnetic exchange interactions in these chains by employing electric field. The methodology for the execution of this proposal can be broadly divided into three steps: 1) Preparation of chiral cyanido bridged heterobimetallic chains by interlinking chiral pentagonal bipyramidal complexes with cyanometallates; 2) Investigation of key magnetic features of the chiral cyanido bridged heterobimetallic chains; 3) Evaluation of electric field modulated magnetic interactions in the cyanido bridged heterobimetallic aggregates using the EFM-ESR technique. The project will focus on the development and support of young scientists involved, providing them with complementary training and exposure to the relevant academic environment at the corresponding partner institution.