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Chirality-induced spin selectivity: an interdisciplinary perspective from chemical physics to biology
1Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur-208016, India. anilkmr@iitk.ac.in.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|January 28, 2026
Summary
The chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect reveals how chiral molecules control electron spin. This quantum phenomenon bridges physics, chemistry, and biology, impacting technology and life sciences.
Area of Science:
- Interdisciplinary quantum physics and chemistry.
- Molecular biophysics and condensed matter physics.
Background:
- The chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect, discovered in 1999, describes how chiral molecules influence electron spin.
- Extensive research has explored the underlying physics and mechanisms of CISS.
- A key finding is the link between electron spin and chiral symmetry in molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the CISS effect as a bridge connecting diverse scientific domains.
- To enhance understanding of molecular recognition, electron transport, and spin-dependent processes.
- To highlight the implications of CISS for technology and fundamental science.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical investigations into the CISS effect.
- Experimental validation of spin selectivity in chiral systems.
- Analysis of spin dynamics influenced by molecular chirality.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of a fundamental relationship between electron spin and chiral symmetry.
- Identification of CISS effect's role in electron transport through chiral molecules.
- Highlighting the influence of molecular chiral framework on spin dynamics.
Conclusions:
- The CISS effect is crucial for understanding spin-dependent phenomena in chemical and biological systems.
- CISS has broad implications for clean energy, spintronics, drug development, and understanding life's homochirality.
- This effect underscores the interplay between molecular structure, spin, and quantum mechanics.
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