Robust Isolated Quantum Spins Established on a Magnetic Substrate

Creating stable isolated spins is crucial for quantum-spin applications, like quantum bits or qubits, sensors, and single-atom catalysts. Currently, most approaches include engineering isolated spins on noble metal surfaces, whose abundant conduction electrons can also disturb their spin state. In a new study, researchers successfully demonstrated for the first time isolated spins on an insulating magnesium oxide film, laid over a ferromagnetic iron substrate, suggesting a new pathway towards realizing qubits using conventional thin-film techniques.