Thin film properties and stability of a potential molecular quantum bit based on copper(II)

We have investigated the thin films of a copper(II) β-diketonate complex by using a multi-technique approach including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance, and magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy. This complex, Cu(dbm)2 (Hdbm is dibenzoyl methane), is a potential molecular quantum bit. We have demonstrated that Cu(dbm)2 can be successfully evaporated under controlled conditions. We have further studied the stability of the obtained films in air down to the monolayer regime. The results show that Cu(dbm)2 thin films have very good stability, also in comparison to other potential molecular quantum bits. Understanding the stability of this class of materials plays an important role when moving from academic investigations to environments that mimic those of working devices. In this respect, thermally and air stable thin films are a key step towards applications.