Investigation of Spin-State Switching in a Molecular 2D Material

This proposal aims to study the dynamics of the spin-state switching in ultrathin molecular spin-crossover films, which represent a new class of 2D materials. From magnetic and optical characterization, these ultrathin films retain the thermal hysteresis of spin-state switching, as observed in bulk form. Surprisingly, they display a drastic widening of the bistable regime upon reducing the thickness of the film. The proposed experiments are aimed at unraveling the underlying mechanism of increase in the thermal hysteresis of spin transition in the ultrathin films. Insight into the nature of this increase will open a pathway to designing new 2D systems with desired spin-state switching behavior. Currently, there are very few, if any, comprehensive studies of the phase transitions in an element-selective manner in materials confined to the 2D regime.