Observation of quantum coherence in mesoscopic molecular magnets
By applying a transverse magnetic field B( perpendicular) of sufficient strength to the uniaxial molecular magnets Fe8 and Mn12, the tunneling splitting Delta(t) of their S = +/-10 magnetic ground states can be made large compared to perturbations such as hyperfine and dipolar interactions. We present evidence for such a Delta(t) from magnetic specific heat data below 1 K that is consistent with coherent quantum mechanical tunneling in a "mesoscopic" system under such conditions.
Luis
F
Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9506, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Mettes
FL
Tejada
J
Gatteschi
D
de Jongh LJ