Molecule based magnets

This unusual property arises from substantial energy barriers existing between different spin states of the metal ions at the core of these molecules. The spin states refer to the orientations of the magnetic moments associated with the metal ions.<br><br>In simpler terms, SMMs possess a magnetic behaviour that is characterised by a significant delay in the relaxation of their magnetic states.

This delay is crucial for their magnetic bistability, a state where the molecules can exist in two distinct magnetic configurations. This bistability is a result of the energy barriers that hinder the easy transition between different spin states.<br><br>The presence of magnetic bistability in SMMs makes them particularly intriguing for potential applications in data storage. When utilising conventional magnetic materials, data are stored based on the orientation of magnetic moments within magnetic domains consisting of multiple magnetic moments each.