Rui Sun, NC State University

Title: Control Over Spin with Chirality

Abstract: Spintronics, an emerging field at the intersection of condensed matter physics and materials science, harnesses the spin degree of freedom of electrons for novel electronic functionalities beyond conventional charge-based electronics, such as spin-orbit torque magnetic random-access memory (SOT-MRAM). In the last decade, a particularly intriguing phenomenon in this domain is the Chirality-Induced Spin Selectivity (CISS) effect, where chiral molecules and materials preferentially transmit electrons with a specific spin orientation, despite the absence of strong spin-orbit coupling. This effect challenges conventional spin transport mechanisms and reveals new pathways for generating and manipulating spin currents without the need for ferromagnets or heavy elements with strong spin-orbit coupling.
In this talk, I will introduce the fundamental concepts of spintronics, spin transport, and spin dynamics. I will discuss the impact of chiral materials on spin dynamics, and the role of chirality in spin transport. Recent experimental findings, including our work on colossal anisotropic spin absorption in chiral metal oxides, demonstrate how structural chirality can significantly influence nonlocal spin transport, leading to unprecedented control over spin current. Moreover, chirality-governed spin transport is a universal phenomenon, extending across various chiral systems. These insights open exciting opportunities for next-generation spintronic devices, including chiral spin filters, spin-based logic, and quantum information applications.

Host: Dali Sun