Magnetic Information Storage on Polymers by Using Patterned Single‐Molecule Magnets

Abstract

An attractive read: Magnetic Mn12 clusters are patterned by molding a dispersion in a polymer matrix onto a structured master (e.g., a DVD). The protrusions of the polymer replica surface disappear on exposure to solvent vapor, and the clusters concentrate on the surface at the positions of the original protrusions. The cluster distribution produces a magnetic contrast, which can be imaged by magnetic force microscopy (see picture).