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Chiral control of current transfer in molecules
Vered Ben-Moshe1, David N Beratan, Abraham Nitzan
1School of Chemistry, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel.
Topics in Current Chemistry
|February 16, 2011
Summary
Circularly polarized light induces distinct electron transmission in chiral molecules, differing between mirror images. This phenomenon, known as current transfer, involves both charge and momentum transfer, with recent theories and experiments reviewed.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Surface Science
- Molecular Physics
Background:
- Chiral molecules exhibit unique interactions with polarized light.
- Electron transmission through molecular systems is crucial for understanding charge and energy transfer.
- Asymmetric electron transmission in chiral systems is a key area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review theoretical advancements in current transfer theory for chiral molecules.
- To discuss experimental findings on electron transmission through chiral molecular adsorbates.
- To elucidate the principles governing charge and momentum transfer in chiral systems.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of electron transport through chiral molecular junctions.
- Analysis of experimental data from electron spectroscopy and surface science techniques.
- Review of existing literature on current transfer and chiral molecular systems.
Main Results:
- Electron transmission probabilities differ significantly for enantiomers under circularly polarized light.
- Current transfer effectively describes the coupled transfer of charge and momentum.
- Experimental evidence supports theoretical predictions of chiral-induced electron transport asymmetry.
Conclusions:
- Chiral molecules offer a platform for controlling electron flow with polarized light.
- Current transfer is a fundamental mechanism governing electron behavior in chiral systems.
- Further research in this area could lead to novel spintronic and molecular electronic devices.
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