Origin of spin dependent tunneling through chiral molecules

TL;DR

This paper investigates how the helical structure of chiral molecules influences spin-dependent electron tunneling, revealing that geometry-induced spin filtering enhances transmission and explains experimental observations.

Contribution

It introduces a spin-inclusive analysis of tunneling through chiral molecules, demonstrating the role of geometry in spin filtering and transport efficiency.

Findings

Helical geometry induces robust spin filtering.

Spin filtering is linked to enhanced transmission.

Explains experimental transport measurements through organic molecules.

Abstract

The functionality of many biological systems depends on reliable electron transfer with minimal heating. Unlike man-made electric circuits, nature realizes electron transport via insulating chiral molecules. Here we include spin into the analysis of tunneling through these molecules, and demonstrate its importance for efficient transport. We show that the helical geometry induces robust spin filtering accompanied by, and intimately related to, strongly enhanced transmission. Thus, we resolve two key questions posed by transport measurements through organic molecules, demonstrating their common origin.