This research demonstrates independent control over the spin and orbital degrees of freedom of a single iron (Fe) atom. By placing the Fe atom on a nitrogen site of a Cu₂N lattice, a system with large zero-field splitting and an unquenched uniaxial orbital moment is created. A full reversal of the orbital moment is achieved through a single-electron tunneling event, leaving the spin unchanged. Density functional theory and first-principles multiplet calculations support these findings.
Publisher
npj Quantum Materials
Published On
Aug 27, 2020
Authors
Rasa Rejali, David Coffey, Jeremie Gobeil, Jhon W. González, Fernando Delgado, Alexander F. Otte
Tags
spin control
orbital degrees of freedom
iron atom
Cu₂N lattice
electron tunneling
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