David Waldeck

The Chiral-Induced Spin Selectivity Effect

Waldeck’s group is examining the nature of the Chiral-Induced Spin Selectivity (CISS) effect and exploring ways in which it can be exploited technologically. As electrons move through a chiral molecule (or structure) the electron current generates an effective magnetic field, , that acts on the electrons’ intrinsic magnetic moment. Thus, a preference exists for electrons with one magnetic moment direction to pass through the chiral molecule (or structure). A thorough understanding of the properties that affect the chiral induced spin selectivity effect is important for realizing its true potential.

The chiral induced spin selectivity effect can be exploited for facilitating chemical reactions. We demonstrated that chiral materials are accompanied by a spin polarization that can be used to discriminate between triplet and singlet reaction pathways. Additionally, these studies are guiding the development of new methods for enantiomeric separation and discrimination.

Chiral nanomaterials represent a new class of materials with promising properties for applications in the fields of optoelectronics and spintronics, amongst others. This part of our group is focused on the synthesis of new chiral nanomaterials and understanding mechanistically how the chirality manifests. These studies are pointing to structure – property relationships for the rational design of new chiral materials. We are studying spin-mediated processes of chiral materials and the tantalizing phenomena that manifest. Our work is leading to technological breakthroughs in the separation of enantiomers, the miniaturization of ferromagnets, and chiral oxide spin filters.