Double Exchange in Orbitally Degenerate Mixed Valence Clusters: Magnetic Anisotropy, Vibronic Effects

In this paper we consider the vibronic problem of the double exchange in mixed-valence dimers containing transition metal ions in orbitally degenerate ground states. The vibronic model includes interaction with the breathing local modes (Piepho-Krausz-Schatz-PKS) as well as the modulation of metal-metal distances as suggested by Piepho. The double exchange in orbitally degenerate systems is shown to produce strong magnetic anisotropy of orbital nature. PKS interaction is expected to suppress the magnetic anisotropy of the system, while the intercenter vibrations tend to enhance it. The roles of spin-orbit coupling and temperature are revealed for the systems with different geometries.