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An argument why the spinterface model cannot explain the chirality induced spin selectivity effect
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 516, 75 237 Uppsala, Sweden.
The Journal of Chemical Physics
|June 9, 2026
Summary
Chiral molecules on metals do not form local spin moments, even with strong spin-orbit coupling. Electron flux, spin-polarized or not, also fails to induce spin moment formation at the interface.
Area of Science:
- Surface Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Chemistry
Background:
- Chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS) is a phenomenon where chiral molecules influence electron spin.
- Previous theories suggested chiral molecules on metals could form local spin moments due to strong spin-orbit coupling (SOC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the conditions for local spin moment formation at chiral molecule-metal interfaces.
- To investigate the role of strong spin-orbit coupling in sustaining spin moments.
- To determine if electron flux influences spin moment formation.
Main Methods:
- General theoretical arguments.
- Effective modeling of a chiral molecule-metal interface setup.
Main Results:
- Strong spin-orbit coupling in metals is insufficient to stabilize a local spin moment at the interface.
- Electron flux into or out of the molecule does not lead to spin moment formation.
- This holds true irrespective of the spin polarization of the electron flux.
Conclusions:
- The proposed mechanism for spin moment formation via strong SOC is not viable.
- Electron flux is not a viable pathway for inducing spin moments in this system.
- Revisiting the fundamental mechanisms of spin selectivity in chiral systems is warranted.
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