Modification of Weak Localization in Metallic Thin Films Due to the Adsorption of Chiral Molecules

We perform low-temperature magneto-conductance measurementsonCu and Au thin films with adsorbed chiral molecules and investigatetheir phase-coherent transport properties. Upon adsorption of chiralmolecules, the spin-orbit coupling strength in Cu decreasesand the Au films become ferromagnetic as evident from weak localizationand antilocalization data. A theoretical model indicates that anisotropyin the molecular tilt angles, provided that the chiral molecules actas magnetic moments, induces a nonvanishing magnetic exchange interaction,causing changes in the spin-orbit coupling strength in Cu andAu. Our work adds a new viewpoint to the plethora of unique phenomenaemerging from chiral molecule adsorption on materials.

Automated summary

We investigate the phase-coherent transport properties of Cu and Au thin films with adsorbed chiral molecules through low-temperature magneto-conductance measurements. The adsorption of chiral molecules reduces the spin-orbit coupling strength in Cu and induces ferromagnetism in the Au films. Our theoretical model suggests that anisotropy in the molecular tilt angles, acting as magnetic moments, leads to a nonvanishing magnetic exchange interaction, resulting in changes in the spin-orbit coupling strength in Cu and Au. Our work provides a new perspective on the unique phenomena arising from the adsorption of chiral molecules on materials.