Theoretical study of molecule mediated spin-polarized electron tunneling between magnetic materials

There has been a recent interest in organic molecule-mediated spin-polarized electron transport with a potential application in molecular-scale spintronics. In this presentation, we present the results of a theoretical study on the spin-dependent electron tunneling via a self-assembled monolayer of $\sigma $-bonded bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1,4-dithiol on Ni(111). Comparison with a similar study involving $\pi $-conjugated molecules, suggests that the magnitude of the tunnel current and the spin-dependent current are strongly influenced by the nature of chemical bonds in the molecular structure. It gives further understanding of the role of the organic molecules on the spin-polarization of electron transport and provides a basic guideline in choice of molecules in this respect.