Linewidth of single photon absorptions in Mn12-acetate
Abstract
Quantum mechanical tunneling of the magnetic moment can be observed in several single molecule magnets, including Mn_12-acetate. It is likely that the mechanism of tunneling involves defects in the crystal structure. These defects may be studied through their effect on the inhomogeneous linewidth of single photon (intrawell) transitions. However, most previous studies of the linewidth have been performed on crystals that have been pressed into pellets. The process of pellet formation could introduce additional defects into the crystal structure. We have measured the linewidth of intrawell transitions in loose crystals and observed that the linewidth is unchanged, implying that pellet formation does not introduce significant defects. We have also measured the linewidth of intrawell transitions in crystals aligned in epoxy, which may make it possible to perform further measurements in an applied magnetic field.
- Publication:
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APS March Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- March 2003
- Bibcode:
- 2003APS..MARS29009P