Uploaded January 2014 | Updated September 2026, 11 minutes ago
http://www.fom.nl/veldhoven The quantum mechanics of spins on surfaces
We all learn in quantum mechanics lectures how to treat the spin of an electron using the Pauli matrices of an S=1/2 system. However, the magnetic properties of atoms in gas and in particular those in a solid-state environment or in molecules are often much more complex and interesting. We will begin by trying to understand what happens when the spin of a quantum system is larger than S=1/2 at which point ligand fields (crystal fields in solids) become important and lead to important effects such as magnetic anisotropy.
We will then move from the treatment of a single spin system to coupled spins. How do you set up spin matrices for such a situation and how do you find solutions to those problems? We will discuss some experimental findings about spin chains on surfaces as studied by STM.
If time permits we will try to apply the concepts of coupled spin systems to quantum computation.
About the conference: Physics@FOM Veldhoven is a large congress that provides a topical overview of physics in the Netherlands. It is organised by the Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter (FOM) and takes place each year in January. Traditionally, young researchers are given the chance to present themselves and their work alongside renowned names from the Dutch and international physics community. The programme covers Light and matter, Atomic, molecular and optical physics, Nanoscience and nanotechnology, Statistical physics and Soft condensed matter, Surfaces and interfaces, Physics of fluids, Subatomic physics, Plasma and fusion physics, and Strongly correlated systems.
http://www.fom.nl/veldhoven The quantum mechanics of spins on surfaces
We all learn in quantum mechanics lectures how to treat the spin of an electron using the Pauli matrices of an S=1/2 system. However, the magnetic properties of atoms in gas and in particular those in a solid-state environment or in molecules are often much more complex and interesting. We will begin by trying to understand what happens when the spin of a quantum system is larger than S=1/2 at which point ligand fields (crystal fields in solids) become important and lead to important effects such as magnetic anisotropy.
We will then move from the treatment of a single spin system to coupled spins. How do you set up spin matrices for such a situation and how do you find solutions to those problems? We will discuss some experimental findings about spin chains on surfaces as studied by STM.
If time permits we will try to apply the concepts of coupled spin systems to quantum computation.
About the conference: Physics@FOM Veldhoven is a large congress that provides a topical overview of physics in the Netherlands. It is organised by the Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter (FOM) and takes place each year in January. Traditionally, young researchers are given the chance to present themselves and their work alongside renowned names from the Dutch and international physics community. The programme covers Light and matter, Atomic, molecular and optical physics, Nanoscience and nanotechnology, Statistical physics and Soft condensed matter, Surfaces and interfaces, Physics of fluids, Subatomic physics, Plasma and fusion physics, and Strongly correlated systems.
