Current-induced switching of a single magnetic molecule with an arbitrary orientation of the magnetic easy axis

Magnetic switching of a single-molecule magnet (SMM) due to spin-polarized current is considered theoretically. The system under investigation consists of a single magnetic molecule attached to two ferromagnetic leads. Magnetic moments of the leads are assumed to be collinear, whereas the magnetic anisotropy axis of the molecule forms an arbitrary angle with the moments. The current flowing through the system as well as the average z-component of the molecule's spin is calculated within the perturbative approach (Fermi golden rule). The mechanism of molecule's spin reversal due to current flowing directly through the molecule is discussed.