Revelation of the crucial interactions in spin-hybrid systems by means of X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Spin-hybrid systems consisting of magnetic molecules on surfaces are studied by means of X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The relevant magnetic interactions of paramagnetic molecules on ferromagnetic surfaces are analyzed utilizing the element specificity of the X-ray magnetic circular dichroism revealing the magnetic coupling for these systems. By the help of X-ray natural dichroism the orientation of the molecules on the surfaces and the electronic structure is probed. The structural properties are correlated with the magnetic characteristics to achieve a more complete understanding of the spin-hybrid systems. The possibility to tailor the magnetic coupling for these systems is demonstrated by modifying the interface of the molecules and the substrate by using an intermediate layer of atomic oxygen. As an outlook it will be discussed how a spin crossover behavior of the molecules might be achieved in specific spin-hybrid systems by employing graphene.