Mn12 single molecule magnets deposited on μ-SQUID sensors: the role of interphases and structural modifications

Abstract

Direct measurements of the linear ac susceptibility and magnetic relaxation of a few Mn₁₂ monolayers deposited on a μ-SQUID sensor are reported. In order to integrate the molecules into the device, DPN has been the technique of choice. It enabled the structuration of the molecules on the most sensitive areas of the sensor without the need for any previous functionalization of the molecule or the substrate, while controlling the number of molecular units deposited on each array. The measurements reveal that their characteristic SMM behaviour is lost, a fact that is attributed to molecular distortions originated by the strong surface tensions arising at the molecular interphases.