Keywords

Single-molecule magnet transistors, Berry-phase interference, Kondo effect, Nitrogen-vacancy center, Hyperfine Interaction, Spin non-conserving transitions, Optical Lambda Transitions

Abstract

This thesis presents some theoretical studies dealing with quantum interference effects in electron transport through single molecule magnet transistors and a study on optical non-conserving spin transitions in the Nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond. The thesis starts with a brief general introduction to the physics of quantum transport through single electron transistors. Afterwards, the main body of the thesis is divided into three studies: (i) In chapter (2) we describe the properties of single molecule magnets and the Berry phase interference present in this nanomagnets. We then propose a way to detect quantum interference experimentally in the current of a single molecule magnet transistor using polarized leads. We apply our theoretical results to the newly synthesized nanomagnet Ni4. (ii) In chapter (3) we review the Kondo effect and present a microscopic derivation of the Kondo Hamiltonian suitable for full and half integer spin nanomagnets. We then calculate the conductance of the single molecule magnet transistor in the presence of the Kondo effect for Ni4 and show how the Berry phase interference becomes temperature dependent. (iii) We conclude in chapter (4) with a theoretical study of the single Nitrogen vacancy defect center in diamond. We show that it is possible to have spin non-conserving transitions via the hyperfine interaction and propose a way to write and read quantum information using circularly polarized light by means of optical Lambda transitions in this solid state system.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2009

Advisor

Leuenberger, Michael N.

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Physics

Degree Program

Physics

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0002740

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0002740

Language

English

Release Date

September 2009

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

Included in

Physics Commons

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