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Single-molecule junctions map the interplay between electrons and chirality

Author

Listed:
  • Anil-Kumar Singh

    (Weizmann Institute of Science)

  • Kévin Martin

    (Univ Angers, CNRS, MOLTECH-Anjou, SFR MATRIX)

  • Maurizio Mastropasqua Talamo

    (Univ Angers, CNRS, MOLTECH-Anjou, SFR MATRIX)

  • Axel Houssin

    (Univ Angers, CNRS, MOLTECH-Anjou, SFR MATRIX)

  • Nicolas Vanthuyne

    (Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Centrale Med, UAR 1739, FSCM, Chiropole)

  • Narcis Avarvari

    (Univ Angers, CNRS, MOLTECH-Anjou, SFR MATRIX)

  • Oren Tal

    (Weizmann Institute of Science)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Anil-Kumar Singh & Kévin Martin & Maurizio Mastropasqua Talamo & Axel Houssin & Nicolas Vanthuyne & Narcis Avarvari & Oren Tal, 2025. "Single-molecule junctions map the interplay between electrons and chirality," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-56718-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56718-9
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