Light-induced Spin Transition Research Articles

Observation of a Picosecond Light-Induced Spin Transition in Polymeric Nanorods.

Spin transition (ST) materials are attractive for developing photoswitchable devices, but their slow material transformations limit device applications. Size reduction could enable faster switching, but the photoinduced dynamics at the nanoscale remains poorly understood. Here, we report a femtosecond optical pump multimodal X-ray probe study of polymeric nanorods. Simultaneously tracking the ST order parameter with X-ray emission spectroscopy and structure with X-ray diffraction, we observe photodoping of the low-spin-lattice within ∼150 fs. Above a ∼16% photodoping threshold, the transition to the high-spin phase occurs following an incubation period assigned to vibrational energy redistribution within the nanorods activating the molecular spin switching. Above ∼60% photodoping, the incubation period disappears, and the transition completes within ∼50 ps, preceded by the elastic nanorod expansion in response to the photodoping. These results support the feasibility of ST material-based GHz optical switching applications.

Design and Processing as Ultrathin Films of a Sublimable Iron(II) Spin Crossover Material Exhibiting Efficient and Fast Light-Induced Spin Transition.

Materials based on spin crossover (SCO) molecules have centered the attention in molecular magnetism for more than 40 years as they provide unique examples of multifunctional and stimuli-responsive materials, which can be then integrated into electronic devices to exploit their molecular bistability. This process often requires the preparation of thermally stable SCO molecules that can sublime and remain intact in contact with surfaces. However, the number of robust sublimable SCO molecules is still very scarce. Here, we report a novel example of this kind. It is based on a neutral iron(II) coordination complex formulated as [Fe(neoim)2], where neoimH is the ionogenic ligand 2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-9-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline. In the first part, a comprehensive study, which covers the synthesis and magnetostructural characterization of the [Fe(neoim)2] complex as a bulk microcrystalline material, is reported. Then, in the second part, we investigate the suitability of this material to form thin films through high-vacuum sublimation. Finally, the retainment of all present SCO capabilities in the bulk when the material is processed is thoroughly studied by means of X-ray absorption spectroscopy. In particular, a very efficient and fast light-induced spin transition (LIESST effect) has been observed, even for ultrathin films of 15 nm.

Electrical Sensing of the Thermal and Light-Induced Spin Transition in Robust Contactless Spin-Crossover/Graphene Hybrid Devices.

Hybrid devices based on spin-crossover (SCO)/2D heterostructures grant a highly sensitive platform to detect the spin transition in the molecular SCO component and tune the properties of the 2D material. However, the fragility of the SCO materials upon thermal treatment, light irradiation, or contact with surfaces and the methodologies used for their processing have limited their applicability. Here, an easily processable and robust SCO/2D hybrid device with outstanding performance based on the sublimable SCO [Fe(Pyrz)2 ] molecule deposited over chemical vapor deposition (CVD) graphene is reported, which is fully compatible with electronics industry protocols. Thus, a novel methodology based on growing an elusive polymorph of [Fe(Pyrz)2 ] (tetragonal phase) over graphene is developed that allows a fast and effective light-induced spin transition in the devices (≈50% yield in 5min) to be detected electrically. Such performance can be enhanced even more when a flexible polymeric layer of poly(methyl methacrylate) is inserted in between the two active components in a contactless configuration, reaching a ≈100% yield in 5min.

High-Repetition Rate Optical Pump-Nuclear Resonance Probe Experiments Identify Transient Molecular Vibrations after Photoexcitation of a Spin Crossover Material.

Phonon modes play a vital role in the cooperative phenomenon of light-induced spin transitions in spin crossover (SCO) molecular complexes. Although the cooperative vibrations, which occur over several hundreds of picoseconds to nanoseconds after photoexcitation, are understood to play a crucial role in this phase transition, they have not been precisely identified. Therefore, we have performed a novel optical laser pump-nuclear resonance probe experiment to identify the Fe-projected vibrational density of states (pDOS) during the first few nanoseconds after laser excitation of the mononuclear Fe(II) SCO complex [Fe(PM-BiA)2(NCS)2]. Evaluation of the so obtained nanosecond-resolved pDOS yields an excitation of ∼8% of the total volume of the complex from the low-spin to high-spin state. Density functional theory calculations allow simulation of the observed changes in the pDOS and thus identification of the transient inter- and intramolecular vibrational modes at nanosecond time scales.

Electrical read-out of light-induced spin transition in thin film spin crossover/graphene heterostructures

An opto-electronic switching device made from an evaporated spin crossover thin film over a graphene sensor is presented. The electrical transduction of both temperature and light-induced reversible spin transitions are demonstrated.

Interplay between core and shell in a RbCoFe@RbNiCo Prussian blue analogue spin transition heterostructure

Core–shell particles with a Prussian blue analogue RbaCob[Fe(CN)6]c·mH2O core and different shell thicknesses are studied as the cores undergo both thermal and light-induced spin transitions, revealing different mechanisms for accommodating strain.

Light-induced spin transition in the spin-crossover complex FePt2 detected by optical pump -coherent resonant nuclear elastic scattering

We report the results of optical pump-nuclear resonance probe experiments on the SCO complex [FeII(L-PtII(t-but-tpy))2](BF4)2 with L being 2,6-di(pyrazol-1-yl)-4-(trimethylsilylethynyl)pyridine) and t-but-tpy being 4,4′,4″-Tri-tert-Butyl-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine using a novel experimental set-up at the beamline P01, Petra III, DESY Hamburg. We investigate the changes in the spin state of the complex when it is excited by laser pulses of 766 nm wavelength and pulse width < 100 ps. Our simulations of the nuclear forward scattering data indicate a dominant low spin state along with some high spin fraction in the absence of laser pulses. We observe clear changes in the time-spectrum following the instant at which the laser pulse hits the sample. Furthermore, these alterations are recorded as the relative timing of the laser pulses with respect to the synchrotron pulses is varied.

Light-induced spin transitions in Ni(II)-based macrocyclic-ligand complexes: A DFT study

Light-induced intersystem crossings in different Ni(II) macrocyclic ligand complexes with square-pyramidal and octahedral ligand-metal coordination have been investigated by means of static (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations, considering the MN12-SX exchange-correlation (XC) functional together with the def2-TZVP basis set. For the quantitative validation of the applied XC functional, the theoretical UV absorption spectra of azopyridine functionalized Ni-porphyrin macrocyclic ligand complex with square-pyramidal coordination have been compared with the experimental results obtained by Venkataramani et al. (Science, 331 (2011) 445). Using the TD-DFT method, the stability of the light–mediated reversible ligand coordination and the switching of magnetic properties have been characterized by identifying the active electronic excited states both in singlet and triplet spin configuration involved in the light-induced excited spin-state trapping. The location of the intersystem crossing points between different spin states has been performed and the strength of the spin-orbit coupling between them has been computed

Evolution of cooperativity in the spin transition of an iron(II) complex on a graphite surface

Cooperative effects determine the spin-state bistability of spin-crossover molecules (SCMs). Herein, the ultimate scale limit at which cooperative spin switching becomes effective is investigated in a complex [Fe(H2B(pz)2)2(bipy)] deposited on a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite surface, using x-ray absorption spectroscopy. This system exhibits a complete thermal- and light-induced spin transition at thicknesses ranging from submonolayers to multilayers. On increasing the coverage from 0.35(4) to 10(1) monolayers, the width of the temperature-induced spin transition curve narrows significantly, evidencing the buildup of cooperative effects. While the molecules at the submonolayers exhibit an apparent anticooperative behavior, the multilayers starting from a double-layer exhibit a distinctly cooperative spin switching, with a free-molecule-like behavior indicated at around a monolayer. These observations will serve as useful guidelines in designing SCM-based devices.

Control of the Speed of a Light-Induced Spin Transition through Mesoscale Core-Shell Architecture.

The rate of the light-induced spin transition in a coordination polymer network solid dramatically increases when included as the core in mesoscale core-shell particles. A series of photomagnetic coordination polymer core-shell heterostructures, based on the light-switchable Rb aCo b[Fe(CN)6] c· mH2O (RbCoFe-PBA) as core with the isostructural K jNi k[Cr(CN)6] l· nH2O (KNiCr-PBA) as shell, are studied using temperature-dependent powder X-ray diffraction and SQUID magnetometry. The core RbCoFe-PBA exhibits a charge transfer-induced spin transition (CTIST), which can be thermally and optically induced. When coupled to the shell, the rate of the optically induced transition from low spin to high spin increases. Isothermal relaxation from the optically induced high spin state of the core back to the low spin state and activation energies associated with the transition between these states were measured. The presence of a shell decreases the activation energy, which is associated with the elastic properties of the core. Numerical simulations using an electro-elastic model for the spin transition in core-shell particles supports the findings, demonstrating how coupling of the core to the shell changes the elastic properties of the system. The ability to tune the rate of optically induced magnetic and structural phase transitions through control of mesoscale architecture presents a new approach to the development of photoswitchable materials with tailored properties.

Ligand-driven light-induced spin transition in spin crossover compounds

Spin crossover (SCO) coordination compounds that show bistability between low spin and high spin states are promising light-controllable molecular switches. Selective wavelength irradiation of the coordination centre at low temperatures is known as a light-induced excited spin state trapping (LIESST effect) and it leads to the modulation of physical properties of SCO materials on the macroscopic as well as on the molecular level. Another way to trigger the spin state conversion by light is based on the isomerization of photoactive ligand moieties. The ligand field strength is changed due to light-induced photoisomerization and, therefore, corresponding cis–trans or ring-closing/ring-opening isomeric couples might exhibit different spin states at isothermal conditions. Such an approach is called as ligand driven light-induced spin change (LD LISC effect). From the application point of view, it presents a promising alternative to the LIESST effect because it can operate at room temperature. This article is focused on the most interesting iron and cobalt SCO compounds with photoisomerizable ligands and provides the overview of achieving results based on the LD LISC effect.

Thermal and light-induced spin transition in a nanometric film of a new high-vacuum processable spin crossover complex

Herein, we report the identification of a novel high-vacuum processable spin-crossover complex which can be efficiently used to prepare continuous ultrathin films with retention of switchable magnetic properties.

Hysteresis, nucleation and growth phenomena in spin-crossover solids

The observation and the study of first-order phase transitions in cooperative spin-crossover (SCO) solids exhibiting hysteresis behaviours are of particular interest and currently constitute a burgeoning area in the field of bistable molecular materials. The understanding and the control of the transition mechanisms (nucleation and growth processes) and their dynamics within the hysteresis region appear to be a general and appealing problem from a fundamental point of view and for technological applications as well. This review reports on the recent progresses and most important findings made on the spatiotemporal dynamics of the spin transition in SCO solids, particularly through the universal nucleation and growth process. Both thermally induced and light-induced spin transitions are discussed. We open up this review to the central question of the evolution of the transition mechanisms and dynamics in SCO nano-objects, which constitute promising systems to reach ultra-fast switching, and the experimental issues inherent to such studies at the micro- and nanometric scale.

Soft-x-ray-induced spin-state switching of an adsorbed Fe(II) spin-crossover complex

For probing the nature of spin-state switching in spin-crossover molecules adsorbed on surfaces, x-ray absorption spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful tool due to its high sensitivity and element selectivity in tracing even subtle electronic, magnetic, or chemical changes. However, the x-rays itself can induce a spin transition and might have unwanted influence while investigating the effect of other stimuli such as temperature or light, or of the surface, on the spin switching behaviour. Herein, we present the spin switching of an Fe(II) complex adsorbed on a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite surface with particular emphasis on the x-ray-induced switching. For a submonolayer coverage, the complex undergoes a complete and reversible temperature- and light-induced spin transition. The spin states are switched both ways by x-rays at 5 K, i.e. from the high-spin state to the low-spin state or vice versa, depending on the relative amount of each species. Furthermore, we quantify the fraction of molecules undergoing soft x-ray-induced photochemistry, a process which results in an irreversible low-spin state component, for a particular exposure time. This can be greatly suppressed by reducing the beam intensity.

Investigation of nucleation and growth phenomena during the thermal and light induced spin transition in the [Fe(1-bpp)2][BF4]2 complex

Abstract Optical microscopy measurements have been realized on single crystals of the [Fe(1-bpp)2][BF4]2 complex (1-bpp=2,6-di(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine). The thermal spin transition around 253 K occurs by a heterogeneous nucleation and growth mechanism and involves a clear phase separation and a small hysteresis. This very abrupt and complete thermal transition is preceded by a premonitory spin conversion, which implies only a small fraction (ca. 2–3 %) of the molecules. This peculiar behavior may be the sign of heterophase fluctuations. The light-induced spin transition from the stable low spin (LS) to the metastable high spin (HS) phase was achieved at 80 K by focusing laser light into a small volume fraction of the crystal. Under continuous irradiation this photo-converted HS “nucleus” then grows and the whole crystal converts to the HS phase providing evidence for a light-induced instability in the system due to long-range elastic interactions. The relaxation of the light-induced metastable HS phase at 83 K follows a sigmoidal decay – typical of cooperative spin crossover systems. Nevertheless the spatial development of this relaxation process appears very homogeneous and no phase separation could be detected within the resolution of the optical microscope.

First evidence of light-induced spin transition in molybdenum(IV).

Photo-induced spin transition in a molybdenum-zinc complex has been evidenced and fully characterized by Squid magnetometry and several spectroscopies performed under irradiation (IR, EPR, etc.). The phenomenon has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction and DFT calculations yielding a Light-Induced Excited Spin State Trapping Effect (LIESST) on a 4d transition metal ion.

Polymorphism dependent light induced spin transition.

A photomagnetic study of orthorhombic and tetragonal low spin polymorphs of compound [Fe(L)2](BF4)2 revealed different properties and thermal stability of their metastable high spin states. Furthermore, the reversible thermally induced phase/spin transition between low spin and high spin orthorhombic phases was studied by variable temperature UV/VIS spectroscopy.

EPR spectroscopy of thermally induced and light-induced spin transitions in heterospin exchange clusters of compounds Cu(hfac)2LR

The review summarizes the results of EPR investigations of magneto-structural anomalies occurring in exchange-coupled copper-nitroxide clusters belonging to the family of compounds Cu(hfac)2LR. The key features and potential of EPR spectroscopy in studies of such systems, the methods developed to determine the exchange constants, and experiments using the optical switching of magnetic parameters in the heterospin exchange clusters studied are discussed.

Multiple Bistability and Tristability with Dual Spin-State Conversions in [Fe(dpp)2][Ni(mnt)2]2·MeNO2

The multicomponent system of [Fe(dpp)(2)][Ni(mnt)(2)](2).MeNO(2) (1; dpp = 2,6-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine and mnt = maleonitriledithiolate) was prepared by the reaction of [Fe(dpp)(2)](BF(4))(2) with (Bu(4)N)[Ni(mnt)(2)] in MeNO(2). Variable-temperature X-ray structural analyses, magnetic susceptibility, and heat capacity measurements confirmed that 1 undergoes multiple spin-state conversions in both the cationic and anionic components. The asymmetric unit in the crystal contains one [Fe(dpp)(2)](2+) cation, two [Ni(mnt)(2)](-) anions ([Ni1](-) and [Ni2](-)), and one solvent molecule. Magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed that a paramagnetic state in the high-temperature region (HT phase) was abruptly converted to a diamagnetic low-temperature (LT) phase below 180 K as the temperature was lowered from 270 K. As the temperature was raised from 125 to 270 K, successive phase transitions occurred to the HT phase via intermediate phases (IM1, IM2, and IM3) at 175.5, 186.5, 194.0, and 244.0 K, respectively. In the HT phase [Fe(dpp)(2)](2+) is in the high-spin state, and each [Ni1](-) and [Ni2](-) moiety is arranged in monomeric form with an S = (1)/(2) spin ground state. In the LT phase [Fe(dpp)(2)](2+) is in the low-spin state and the nickel moieties are dimerized and diamagnetic. In the IM1 and IM2 phases the iron(II) sites are partially in the HS state and both [Ni](-) moieties are dimeric, as suggested by (57)Fe Mossbauer measurements. In the IM3 phase, [Fe(dpp)(2)](2+) is in the HS state and the anions exist in both their monomeric ([Ni1](-)) and dimeric ([Ni2](-)) forms. Rapid thermal quenching from 300 to 5 K yielded a metastable HS phase, which relaxed to the LT phase via the IM1 phase as the temperature was raised to 150 K. A partial light induced spin transition on the iron site was observed at 5 K.

Crystallographic elucidation of purely structural, thermal and light-induced spin transitions in an iron(ii) binuclear complex

The intricate phase diagram of the binuclear iron(II) spin-crossover complex [{Fe(3-bpp)(NCS)(2)}(2)(4,4'-bypiridine)].2CH(3)OH where 3-bpp is 2,6-bis(pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine has been investigated by variable temperature single crystal X-ray diffraction including a study into the effect of photo-irradiation. This sample is known to exhibit an incomplete spin transition at low temperature. At room temperature, in phase I, iron ions are all crystallographically equivalent, adopting the high spin state (HS). X-Ray structural investigation has revealed two phase transitions in the range (300-30 K). The first transition (T approximately 161 K) leading to phase II is of a purely structural nature and corresponds to a break in symmetry as a result of a twist of the two rings of 4,4'-bipyridine; the two iron sites of the binuclear unit becoming crystallographically independent but remaining all HS. The second structural transition corresponds to the spin crossover, one of the two Fe(II) ions of the binuclear complex being in the low spin state (LS) in phase III. The crystal structure shows an ordered HS-LS crystal packing where HS and LS sites are clearly identified and not randomly distributed in the metal ion sites as often observed. Moreover, light irradiation of single crystals in phase III at 30 K, leading to phase III*, induces a light-induced spin-state trapping (LIESST) effect corresponding to the full conversion of all the iron sites to HS. The crystal packing in phase III* is closer to that of phase III than to those observed in the other HS phases, I and II. This reveals an unusual differentiation between the thermal and light-induced HS states. A deeper analysis of the structural properties first demonstrates the key role of the bipyridine bridge in the peculiar preliminary pure structural transition shown by the title compound. Elsewhere, it also shows that the molecular packing is strongly dependent on the nature of the external perturbation contrary to the iron coordination sphere geometry that appears to be only dependent on the spin state. Moreover, in the HS phase II, the distortion of the iron sites that will subsequently undergo a spin crossover demonstrates some differences with the distortion of the iron sites that remain HS. The predominant role of the iron environment distortion in the spin crossover phenomenon is thus clearly evidenced.