Spin-current induced mechanical torque in a chiral molecular junction

Naoki Sasao, Hiroki Okada, Yasuhiro Utsumi, Ora Entin-Wohlman, Amnon Aharony

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

We analyse the appearance of a mechanical torque that acts on a chiral molecule: a single-stranded DNA, in which the spin–orbit interaction is expected to induce a spin-selectivity effect. The mechanical torque is shown to appear as a result of the non-conservation of the spin current in the presence of the spin–orbit interaction. Adopting a simple microscopic model Hamiltonian for a chiral molecule connected to source and drain leads, and accounting for the mechanical torque acting on the chiral molecule as the back action on the electrons traversing the molecule, we derive the spin continuity-equation. It connects the spin current expressed by a Landauer-type formula and the mechanical torque. Thus, by injecting a spin-polarized current from the source electrode, it is possible to generate a torque, which will rotate the DNA molecule.

Original languageEnglish
Article number064702
JournalJournal of the Physical Society of Japan
Volume88
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2019
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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