Self-assembling of Mn12 molecular nanomagnets on FIB-patterned Au dot matrix

We have developed a novel strategy to build arrays of magnetic nanodots on the 100 nm scale, which exploits the potentialities of both bottom-up and top-down approaches, by self-assembling sulfur-functionalized Mn12 single molecule magnets (SMMs) on patterned Au dot matrices nanofabricated by FIB (focus ion beam). In this way, we demonstrate the capability to assemble SMMs in ordered arrays, where the magnetic information can be easily addressed, being the single bit represented by a 2D distribution of few hundred Mn12 clusters, grafted on top of each 100 × 100 nm2 Au dot. Moreover, the chosen Mn12 functionalization is expected to favour a preferential orientation of the grafted molecule with the easy magnetization axis normal to the surface.