Geometric-Phase-Effect Tunnel-Splitting Oscillations in Single-Molecule Magnets with Fourth-Order Anisotropy Induced by Orthorhombic Distortion

TitleGeometric-Phase-Effect Tunnel-Splitting Oscillations in Single-Molecule Magnets with Fourth-Order Anisotropy Induced by Orthorhombic Distortion
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2009
AuthorsFoss-Feig, M, Friedman, JR
JournalEPL (Europhysics Letters)
Volume86
Issue2
Pages27002
Date Published2009/04/30
Abstract

We analyze the interference between tunneling paths that occurs for a spin
system with both fourth-order and second-order transverse anisotropy. Using an
instanton approach, we find that as the strength of the second-order transverse
anisotropy is increased, the tunnel splitting is modulated, with zeros
occurring periodically. This effect results from the interference of four
tunneling paths connecting easy-axis spin orientations and occurs in the
absence of any magnetic field.
URLhttp://arxiv.org/abs/0809.2289v2
DOI10.1209/0295-5075/86/27002
Short TitleEurophys. Lett.