Non-equilibrium transport and spin dynamics in single-molecule magnets

The time-dependent transport through single-molecule magnets (5MM) coupled to magnetic or non-magnetic electrodes is studied in the framework of the generalized Master equation (GME) method. We calculate the transient currents which develop when the molecule is smoothly coupled to the source and drain electrodes. The signature of the electrically induced magnetic switching on these transient currents is investigated. Our simulations show that the magnetic switching of the molecular spin can be read indirectly from the transient currents if one lead is magnetic and it is much faster if the leads have opposite spin polarizations. We identify effects of the transverse anisotropy on the dynamics of molecular states. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.