Molecular Approaches to Magnetic Relaxation in Noisy, Magnetic Environments

Magnetic relaxation is a fundamental property of molecule-based spins that is important for many different applications, spanning spin-based information processing to biomedical imaging. We know that, generally, slow magnetic relaxation rates are necessary for these applications, and such slowing of rates typically occurs when the local magnetic environment (the "spin bath") is quiet. However, biomedical imaging applications require function in environments full of magnetic nuclei. Similarly, applications for spins in devices are likely to experience stray magnetic fields. Thus, strategies to slow down magnetic relaxation times in noisy confines is a clear next frontier in this area. Understanding the environmental sensitivity of magnetic molecules is paramount to said strategies. In this talk, I will discuss our lab's recent results in studying the environmental sensitivity of electron and nuclear spin dynamics in magnetic molecules.