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Updated: Jan 15, 2026

Stable DNA Motifs, 1D and 2D Nanostructures Constructed from Small Circular DNA Molecules
Published on: April 12, 2019
Spin filtering through circular DNA molecular junctions: External field vs chirality.
Sheng'ao Zhang1, Feng Jiang1, Yonghong Yan2
1College of Mathematics and Physics, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 200090, China.
Researchers explored the Chiral-Induced Spin Selectivity effect in helical chains using a spin-orbit interaction model. They discovered unique spin-filtering Aharonov-Bohm effects in circular DNA, influenced by electric fields and chirality.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Molecular Biophysics
- Quantum Chemistry
Background:
- Chiral molecules can exhibit spin-selective properties.
- Understanding spin selectivity in helical structures like DNA is crucial for molecular electronics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a theoretical model for Chiral-Induced Spin Selectivity (CISSE) in helical molecular chains.
- To investigate spin filtering phenomena in circular DNA molecular junctions.
Main Methods:
- Developed a spin-orbit interaction model in second-quantized form.
- Applied non-equilibrium Green's function theory.
- Studied spin transport through circular DNA.
Main Results:
- Identified a general spin-dependent sideband resonance structure in conductance.
- Demonstrated a unique spin-filtering Aharonov-Bohm effect in non-magnetic systems using circular DNA.
- Revealed relationships between spin polarization, external fields, and chirality.
Conclusions:
- The study provides an in-depth understanding of CISSE in helical systems.
- A critical transverse electric field significantly modulates the spin-filtering Aharonov-Bohm effect.
- Circular DNA serves as a promising platform for exploring spin-related quantum phenomena.
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