Condensed Matter Seminar: Charge and spin dynamics in chiral molecules

While the phenomenon of chiral induced spin selectivity relates to measurements of charge currents through chiral structures, there is a growing number of evidences that the chiral structures themselves become spin-polarised when in contact with a reservoir. A model is introduced, in terms of which aspects of the chiral induced spin selectivity can be comprehended [1]. Using this model, the non-vanishing equilibrium spin-polarisation is addressed, and it is conjectured that the co-existence of (i) internal molecular correlations and (ii) coupling to an external reservoir is crucial for the emergence of both the spin-polarisation and the chiral induced spin selectivity [2]. These aspects are emphasised by the dynamical charge redistribution and accompanied spin-polarisation upon connecting a chiral molecule to an external metallic reservoir [3]. [1] J. Fransson, Phys. Rev. B, 102, 235416 (2020). [2] J. Fransson, Nano Lett. 21, 3026 (2021). [3] J. Fransson, J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 13, 808 (2022).