Isotope effects on the spin dynamics of single-molecule magnets probed using muon spin spectroscopy

Abstract

Muon spin relaxation (μSR) experiments on a single-molecule magnet enriched in different Dy isotopes detect unambiguously the slowing down of the zero field spin dynamics for the non-magnetic isotope. This occurs in the low temperature regime dominated by quantum tunnelling, in agreement with previous ac susceptibility investigations. In contrast to the latter, however, μSR is sensitive to all fluctuation modes affecting the lifetime of the spin levels.