Electronic degrees of freedom offer a fascinating playground for control over any system composed of electrons. The most famous internal degree of freedom is the spin, and spin-related phenomena underline various principles employed in fundamental and applied fields of science nowadays.
In a broader context, the spin is understood as a unique entity, responsive to external stimuli by classical or quantum means. The smallest spin unit is represented by a single atom with unpaired electrons, which can be embedded in a molecule. A standalone unit of one or a few magnetic atoms is known as Single Molecule Magnet (SMM), and a single giant molecular spin represents its magnetic properties. Leaving the quantum limit behind and moving to systems condensed of thousands of spins, reacting in unison within classical concepts, we reach the so-called single-domain state characterized by a giant classical spin, superspin. Electrons in some two-dimensional (2D) crystals also show a kind of binary behavior, which refer to degenerate extrema in reciprocal space, known as valleys.
Interaction and cooperation between the different spin entities are essential for practical purposes. For example, the communication of quantum spins of magnetic molecules is behind some quantum computing concepts. In the classical limit, interactions between giant spins (superspins) control the key mechanisms of cancer treatment and diagnostics employing magnetic nanoparticles.
The ultimate goal of the TSuNAMI projects is to prove that coexistence of different spin entities in a single material – a spin hybrid - brings new phenomena with high potential for innovative applications. The project aims to ‘crossbreed’ different spin units: magnetic molecules, magnetic nanoparticles, and two-dimensional pseudomagnets, and identify the promising properties gained thanks to the spin genetics strategy.
