Modeling Spin-Orbitronics Effects at Interfaces and Chiral Molecules

Area of Science:

• Nanoelectronics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Spin-orbitronics is an emerging field utilizing orbital angular momentum (OAM) currents.
• Understanding OAM generation and propagation is crucial for advanced electronic devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the generation and propagation of orbital currents in nanoelectronic systems.
• To explore OAM current phenomena at a copper-oxide interface and in molecular junctions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the electronic wave packets approach for theoretical exploration.
• Modeled a copper-oxide interface and a carbon chain/chiral molecule junction.

Main Results:

• Observed enhanced orbital polarization at the Cu/O interface, decaying in bulk copper.
• Predicted tunable spin-polarized currents in Cu/O tunnel junctions.
• Demonstrated efficient OAM current generation and long-range propagation in molecular junctions via chiral orbital mixing.

Conclusions:

• Orbital currents can be effectively generated and controlled in specific nanoelectronic architectures.
• The findings suggest potential applications in spin-orbitronics and molecular electronics.