Chirality induced spin selectivity in electron transport investigated by scanning probe microscopy

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Surface Science
• Molecular Electronics

Background:

• The Chirality Induced Spin Selectivity (CISS) effect reveals a fundamental link between molecular chirality and magnetism.
• First observed in 1999, the CISS effect has garnered significant interest across physics, chemistry, and biology.
• Various techniques have been employed to study the CISS effect, with Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) emerging as a key tool.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent experimental investigations of the CISS effect using Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).
• To analyze experimental setups, results, and underlying mechanisms of the CISS effect studied by SPM.
• To explore the impact of molecular structure on spin selectivity and the broader implications of the CISS effect.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM), specifically Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).
• Direct measurement and presentation of spin filtering properties in chiral molecules during electron transport.
• Analysis of experimental techniques tailored to specific molecular adsorption structures.

Main Results:

• SPM techniques directly measure and visualize the spin filtering capabilities of chiral molecules.
• Experimental data reveal the influence of molecular structure on the degree of spin selectivity.
• The review synthesizes findings on various chiral molecules investigated via SPM for the CISS effect.

Conclusions:

• SPM provides powerful capabilities for exploring the CISS effect and spin-dependent electron transport in chiral systems.
• Understanding the CISS effect has profound implications for developing novel spintronic devices and understanding chiral interactions.
• Future research directions using SPM for CISS effect investigations are outlined.