Molecular nanomagnets are zero-dimensional spin systems that exhibit quantum-mechanical behavior at low temperatures. Exploiting quantum-information theoretic measures, we quantify here the size of linear superpositions that can be generated within the ground multiplet of high- and low-spin nanomagnets. Amongst the former class of systems, we mainly focus on Mn ${}_{12}$ and Fe ${}_{8}$ . General criteria for maximizing such measures are also outlined, and illustrated with reference to spin clusters of different geometries. The actual character (micro or macroscopic) of linear superpositions in low-spin systems is inherently ill-defined. Here, this issue is addressed with specific reference to the Cr ${}_{7}$ Ni and V ${}_{15}$ molecules, characterized by an $S=1/2$ ground state. In both cases, the measures we obtain are larger than those of a single $s=1/2$ spin but not proportionate to the number and value of the constituent spins.Molecular nanomagnets are zero-dimensional spin systems that exhibit quantum-mechanical behavior at low temperatures. Exploiting quantum-information theoretic measures, we quantify here the size of linear superpositions that can be generated within the ground multiplet of high- and low-spin nanomagnets. Amongst the former class of systems, we mainly focus on Mn${}_{12}$ and Fe${}_{8}$. General criteria for maximizing such measures are also outlined, and illustrated with reference to spin clusters of different geometries. The actual character (micro or macroscopic) of linear superpositions in low-spin systems is inherently ill-defined. Here, this issue is addressed with specific reference to the Cr${}_{7}$Ni and V${}_{15}$ molecules, characterized by an $S=1/2$ ground state. In both cases, the measures we obtain are larger than those of a single $s=1/2$ spin but not proportionate to the number and value of the constituent spins.

arXiv:1304.7618Physical Review BSep 10, 20137 citations

Quantum oscillations in a molecular magnet

Sylvain Bertaina, Serge Gambarelli, Tamoghna Mitra +3 more

NatureMay 7, 2008359 citations

{}_{12}

and Fe

{}_{8}

. General criteria for maximizing such measures are also outlined, and illustrated with reference to spin clusters of different geometries. The actual character (micro or macroscopic) of linear superpositions in low-spin systems is inherently ill-defined. Here, this issue is addressed with specific reference to the Cr

{}_{7}

Ni and V

{}_{15}

molecules, characterized by an

S=1/2

ground state. In both cases, the measures we obtain are larger than those of a single

s=1/2

spin but not proportionate to the number and value of the constituent spins.