Single-molecule junctions map the interplay between electrons and chirality
Anil Kumar Singh, Kévin Martin, Maurizio Mastropasqua Talamo, Axel Houssin, Nicolas Vanthuyne, Narcis Avarvari, Oren Tal
Abstract
The interplay of electrons with a chiral medium has a diverse impact across science and technology, influencing drug separation, chemical reactions, and electronic transport1-30. In particular, electron-chirality interactions can significantly affect charge and spin transport in chiral conductors, making them highly appealing for spintronics. However, an atomistic mapping of different electron-chirality interactions remains elusive. Here, we find that helicene-based single-molecule junctions behave as a combined magnetic-diode and spin-valve device. This dual-functionality enables the identification of an atomic-scale coexistence of different electron-chirality interactions: the magnetic-diode behavior is attributed to an interaction between electron’s angular momentum in a chiral medium and magnetic fields, whereas the spin-valve functionality is ascribed to an interaction between the electron’s spin and a chiral medium. This work uncovers the coexistence of electron-chirality interactions at the atomic-scale, identifies their distinct properties, and demonstrates how integrating their functionalities can broaden of the available methods for spintronics. Electron-chirality interactions affect charge and spin transport in chiral conductors. Here, the authors show that helicene-based single-molecule junctions behave as a magnetic-diode and spin-valve device, enabling the identification of an atomic-scale coexistence of different electron-chirality interactions.