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Using optical characterization, it is evident that the spin state of the spin crossover molecular complex [Fe{H2B(pz)2}2(bipy)] (pz = tris (pyrazol-1-1y)-borohydride, bipy = 2,2’-bipyridine) depends on the electric polarization of an adjacent polymer ferroelectric polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP) thin film. The role of the ferroelectric polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP) thin film is significant but complex. The UV-Vis spectroscopy reveals that room temperature switching of the electronic structure of [Fe{H2B(pz)2}2(bipy)] molecules in bilayers of PVDF-HFP/[Fe{H2B(pz)2}2(bipy)] occurs as a function of ferroelectric polarization. The retention of voltage-controlled nonvolatile changes to the electronic structure in bilayers of PVDF-HFP/[Fe{H2B(pz)2}2(bipy)] strongly depends on the thickness of the PVDF-HFP layer. The PVDF-HFP/[Fe{H2B(pz)2}2(bipy)] interface may affect PVDF-HFP ferroelectric polarization retention in the thin film limit.

For the spin crossover coordination polymer [Fe(L1)(bipy)]n (where L1 is a N2O22− coordinating Schiff base-like ligand bearing a phenazine fluorophore and bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine), there is compelling additional evidence of a spin state transition. Both Fe 2p X-ray absorption and X-ray core level photoemission spectroscopies confirm that a spin crossover takes place, as observed by magnetometry. Yet the details of the temperature dependent changes of the spin state inferred from both X-ray absorption and X-ray core level photoemission, differ from magnetometry, particularly with regard to the apparent critical transition temperatures and the cooperative nature of the curve progression in general. Comparing the experimental spin crossover data to Ising model simulations, a transition activation energy in the region of 160 to 175 meV is indicated, along with a nonzero exchange J. Overall, the implication is that there may be perturbations to the bistability of spin states, that are measurement dependent or that the surface differs from the bulk with regard to the cooperative effects observed upon spin transition.

Compact domain features have been observed in spin crossover [Fe{H2B(pz)2}2(bipy)] molecular thin film systems via soft x-ray absorption spectroscopy and photoemission electron microscopy. The domains are in a mixed spin state that on average corresponds to roughly 2/3 the high spin occupation of the pure high spin state. Monte Carlo simulations support the presence of intermolecular interactions that can be described in terms of an Ising model in which interactions beyond nearest-neighbors cannot be neglected. This suggests the presence of short-range order to permit interactions between molecules beyond nearest neighbor that contribute to the formation of largely high spin state domains structure. The formation of a spin state domain structure appears to be the result of extensive cooperative effects.

The spin crossover complex [Co(SQ)2(4-CN-py)2] exhibits a nonzero critical field for net alignment of the orbital magnetic moment and the net spin and orbital moments are sensitive to temperature.

The X-ray induced spin crossover transition of an Fe(II) molecular thin film in the presence and absence of a magnetic field has been investigated. The thermal activation energy barrier in the soft X-ray activation of the spin crossover transition for [Fe{H2B(pz)2}2(bipy)] molecular thin films is reduced in the presence of an applied magnetic field, as measured through X-ray absorption spectroscopy at various temperatures. The influence of a 1.8 T magnetic field is sufficient to cause deviations from the expected exponential spin state transition behavior that is measured in the field free case. We find that orbital moment diminishes with increasing temperature, relative to the spin moment in the vicinity of room temperature.

Voltage-controlled nonvolatile isothermal spin state switching of a [Fe{H2B(pz)2}2(bipy)] (pz = tris(pyrazol-1-1y)-borohydride, bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine) film, more than 40 to 50 molecular layers thick, is possible when it is adsorbed onto a molecular ferroelectric substrate. Accompanying this high-spin and low-spin state switching, at room temperature, we observe a remarkable change in conductance, thereby allowing not only nonvolatile voltage control of the spin state ("write") but also current sensing of the molecular spin state ("read"). Monte Carlo Ising model simulations of the high-spin state occupancy, extracted from X-ray absorption spectroscopy, indicate that the energy difference between the low-spin and high-spin state is modified by 110 meV. Transport measurements demonstrate that four terminal voltage-controlled devices can be realized using this system.

Nonvolatile, molecular multiferroic devices have now been demonstrated, but it is worth giving some consideration to the issue of whether such devices could be a competitive alternative for solid-state nonvolatile memory. For the Fe (II) spin crossover complex [Fe{H2B(pz)2}2(bipy)], where pz = tris(pyrazol-1-yl)-borohydride and bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, voltage-controlled isothermal changes in the electronic structure and spin state have been demonstrated and are accompanied by changes in conductance. Higher conductance is seen with [Fe{H2B(pz)2}2(bipy)] in the high spin state, while lower conductance occurs for the low spin state. Plausibly, there is the potential here for low-cost molecular solid-state memory because the essential molecular thin films are easily fabricated. However, successful device fabrication does not mean a device that has a practical value. Here, we discuss the progress and challenges yet facing the fabrication of molecular multiferroic devices, which could be considered competitive to silicon.

This full paper addresses the Innovative Practice Category. We discuss our multidisciplinary approach to create a truly 3D representation and 3D display of RF signals in space through the development of two different training tools to enhance student understanding of Radio Communications. Both tools show the data on 3D autostereoscopic displays rather than rendered back to 2D displays. The first new tool is a series of 3D stereoscopic animations created by a multidisciplinary team of students from the Media Arts and Sciences (School of Informatics) and Electrical Engineering (School of Engineering) programs for use with an autostereoscopic display, where each animation focuses on a single topic within RF communication learning, using real-world examples. The second innovative tool models the Navy use-case of Electronic Warfare (EW) using examples with 3D antenna radiation patterns of signal propagation using U.S. Navy’s SIMDIS interactive 3D visualization environment. The developed scenarios are displayed on an autostereoscopic display, allowing students to manipulate RF signals in a 3D environment. Learning gains were assessed via a 2x2 crossover experimental design an engineering student group. Compared to the control group, students showed gains in understanding of the 3D shape of dipole antennas and understanding of the multiple RF antennas in a cell phone, and the connections between mobile phone antennas and cell towers. The results from these interventions collectively indicate that a truly 3D representation in space can be used to enhance students’ understanding of antennas and RF signals.