Giant spin polarization and a pair of antiparallel spins in a chiral superconductor

R. Nakajima, D. Hirobe (), G. Kawaguchi, Y. Nabei, T. Sato, T. Narushima, H. Okamoto and H. M. Yamamoto ()
Additional contact information
R. Nakajima: Institute for Molecular Science, Myodaiji
D. Hirobe: Institute for Molecular Science, Myodaiji
G. Kawaguchi: Institute for Molecular Science, Myodaiji
Y. Nabei: Institute for Molecular Science, Myodaiji
T. Sato: Institute for Molecular Science, Myodaiji
T. Narushima: Institute for Molecular Science, Myodaiji
H. Okamoto: Institute for Molecular Science, Myodaiji
H. M. Yamamoto: Institute for Molecular Science, Myodaiji

Nature, 2023, vol. 613, issue 7944, 479-484

Abstract: Abstract Chiral molecules can exhibit spin-selective charge emission, which is known as chirality-induced spin selectivity1,2. Despite the constituent light elements of the molecules, their spin polarization can approach or even exceed that of typical ferromagnets. This powerful capability may lead to applications in the chiral spintronics2 field. Although the origin of spin selectivity is elusive, two microscopic phenomena have been suggested based on experimental results: effective enhancement of spin–orbit interactions3 and chirality represented by a pair of oppositely polarized spins4,5. However, the hypotheses remain to be verified. Here we report the simultaneous observation of these two phenomena in an organic chiral superconductor by magnetoresistance measurements in the vicinity of the superconducting transition temperature. A pair of oppositely polarized spins is demonstrated by spatially mapping the spin polarity in an electric alternating current excitation. The obtained spin polarization exceeds that of the Edelstein effect6–10 by several orders of magnitude, which indicates an effective enhancement of the spin–orbit interaction. Our results demonstrate a solid-state analogue of spin accumulations assumed for chiral molecules, and may provide clues to the origin of their molecular counterparts. In addition, the innovative capability of spin-current sourcing will invigorate superconducting spintronics research11.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05589-x

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