Reversible spin polarization at hybrid organic-ferromagnetic interfaces

Yan Wang, J. G. Che, J. N. Fry, Hai Ping Cheng

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

We report a first-principles study of magnetic properties of organic-ferromagnetic interfaces between photoswitchable azobenzene molecules and Fe/W(110) surfaces. Our calculations demonstrate that the magnetic properties of the hybrid interface, such as the local magnetic moment and spin polarization, change significantly as the azobenzene molecule switches reversibly between the trans to the cis form. The molecule-surface interaction, which determines the feasibility of isomerization of the azobenzene on the surface, can be altered by chemical modification of the molecule. This study suggests a new pathway to manipulate magnetism and spin polarization at organic-ferromagnetic hybrid interfaces.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3508-3512
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Physical Chemistry Letters
Volume4
Issue number20
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 17 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • azobenzene
  • density functional theory
  • molecular switch
  • organic-inorganic interfaces
  • spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscope
  • spintronics

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