Statistics and game theory in single-chain magnet relaxation

Bistability in nanomagnets in their ultimate miniaturization limit is indeed an up-to-date issue from both fundamental and applicative point of views. In dimensions smaller than two, bistability is definitely associated with a slow time scale for magnetization reversal. Here we propose a second look, based on classical statistics, to the relaxation mechanisms that have been experimentally evidenced in single-chain magnets. In particular, we emphasise how the extensive character of spin chains affects the relaxation time in different experimental conditions. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.