Wolfgang Wernsdorfer
Host Institution: CNRS
Laboratory: Néel Institute (CNRS/UJF)
Call for projects: Advanced (PE3)
Project Name: MOLNANOSPIN – Molecular spintronics using single-molecule magnets
Amount: €2.1 million
Description :
A revolution in electronics is in view, with the contemporary evolution of two novel disciplines, spintronics and molecular electronics.
A fundamental link between these two fields can be established using molecular magnetic materials and, in particular, single-molecule magnets, which combine the classic macroscale properties of a magnet with the quantum properties of a nanoscale entity.
The resulting field, molecular spintronics aims at manipulating spins and charges in electronic devices containing one or more molecules.
The main advantage is that the weak spin-orbit and hyperfine interactions in organic molecules suggest that spin-coherence may be preserved over time and distance much longer than in conventional metals or semiconductors.
In addition, specific functions (e.g. switchability with light, electric field etc.) could be directly integrated into the molecule.
In this context, the project proposes to fabricate, characterize and study molecular devices (molecular spin-transistor, molecular spin-valve and spin filter, molecular double-dot devices, carbon nanotube nano-SQUIDs, etc.) in order to read and manipulate the spin states of the molecule and to perform basic quantum operations.
MolNanoSpin is designed to play a role of pathfinder in this still largely unexplored – field.
The main target for the coming 5 years concerns fundamental science, but applications in quantum electronics are expected in the long run.
The visionary concept of MolNanoSpin is underpinned by worldwide research on molecular magnetism and supramolecular chemistry, the 10-year long experience in molecular magnetism of the PI, his membership in FP6 MAGMANet NoE, and collaboration with outstanding scientists in the close environment of the team.
During the last year, the recently founded team of the PI has already demonstrated the first important results in this new research area.