ESR Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

STM techniques are exploited to develop electron spin resonance imaging and spectroscopy with subatomic precision. In combination with the inherent high energy resolution of ESR fundamental properties and spin interactions of atoms and molecules can be investigated on the sub-Å and sub-neV scale.

This approach is developed within a project directed by Dr. Ast and funded by the European Research Council (ERC Consolidator Grant), which combines the ESR concept with an STM directly to resolve the spin resonance of single atoms and molecules. The goal is to understand electron spin resonance on an atomic and submolecular level as well as to exploit the pulsed ESR approach for coherent spin manipulation and the investigation of designed spin Hamiltonians. For example, we were able to demonstrate spin-electric coupling by tuning a TiH dimer across an avoided crossing by means of changing the bias voltage.