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Studies of a Large Odd‐Numbered Odd‐Electron Metal Ring: Inelastic Neutron Scattering and Muon Spin Relaxation Spectroscopy of Cr 8 Mn
Author(s) -
Baker Michael L.,
Lancaster Tom,
Chiesa Alessandro,
Amoretti Giuseppe,
Baker Peter J.,
Barker Claire,
Blundell Stephen J.,
Carretta Stefano,
Collison David,
Güdel Hans U.,
Guidi Tatiana,
McInnes Eric J. L.,
Möller Johannes S.,
Mutka Hannu,
Ollivier Jacques,
Pratt Francis L.,
Santini Paolo,
Tuna Floriana,
TregennaPiggott Philip L. W.,
VitoricaYrezabal Iñigo J.,
Timco Grigore A.,
Winpenny Richard E. P.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
chemistry – a european journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.687
H-Index - 242
eISSN - 1521-3765
pISSN - 0947-6539
DOI - 10.1002/chem.201503431
Subject(s) - muon spin spectroscopy , inelastic neutron scattering , antiferromagnetism , condensed matter physics , neutron spectroscopy , ground state , spin (aerodynamics) , inelastic scattering , spectroscopy , physics , frustration , spin polarization , electron , spin states , neutron scattering , chemistry , scattering , atomic physics , neutron , nuclear physics , quantum mechanics , superconductivity , thermodynamics
Abstract The spin dynamics of Cr 8 Mn, a nine‐membered antiferromagnetic (AF) molecular nanomagnet, are investigated. Cr 8 Mn is a rare example of a large odd‐membered AF ring, and has an odd‐number of 3d‐electrons present. Odd‐membered AF rings are unusual and of interest due to the presence of competing exchange interactions that result in frustrated‐spin ground states. The chemical synthesis and structures of two Cr 8 Mn variants that differ only in their crystal packing are reported. Evidence of spin frustration is investigated by inelastic neutron scattering (INS) and muon spin relaxation spectroscopy (μSR). From INS studies we accurately determine an appropriate microscopic spin Hamiltonian and we show that μSR is sensitive to the ground‐spin‐state crossing from S =1/2 to S =3/2 in Cr 8 Mn. The estimated width of the muon asymmetry resonance is consistent with the presence of an avoided crossing. The investigation of the internal spin structure of the ground state, through the analysis of spin‐pair correlations and scalar‐spin chirality, shows a non‐collinear spin structure that fluctuates between non‐planar states of opposite chiralities.