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Quantum interference measurement of spin interactions in a bio-organic/semiconductor device structure
Vincent Deo1, Yao Zhang2, Victoria Soghomonian2
11] Physics Department, Ecole Polytechnique, 91128 Palaiseau, France [2] Department of Physics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg VA 24061, USA.
Scientific Reports
|March 31, 2015
Summary
This study uses quantum interference to measure spin interactions between electrons and hemin, a biomolecule. Results show hemin influences electron spin decoherence, enabling electronic characterization of biomolecules.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Spin interactions in bio-organic/semiconductor devices are crucial for understanding biological functions.
- Characterizing biomolecules using electronic properties complements traditional methods like magnetic resonance.
- Hemin, found in hemoglobin, serves as a model biomolecule with a metal ion influencing biological activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure spin interactions between InAs surface electrons and the iron center of hemin.
- To quantify hemin's influence on surface electron spin decoherence.
- To demonstrate an electronic method for biomolecular characterization via spin decoherence.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing quantum interference in a bio-organic/semiconductor device structure.
- Measuring spin decoherence times of InAs surface electrons.
- Applying quantum correction of antilocalization to determine spin decoherence properties.
Main Results:
- Hemin influences the spin decoherence properties of InAs surface electrons.
- Spin-flip scattering increases with temperature due to hemin, indicating spin exchange.
- Demonstrated interactions between a biomolecule (hemin) and a solid-state system (InAs).
Conclusions:
- Electronic characterization of biomolecules is feasible using spin decoherence.
- The study highlights the potential for artificial bioinspired materials.
- Tunable carrier systems can mediate interactions between biological entities and solid-state systems.
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