Challenges and opportunities in chiral induced spin selectivity

M. van Schilfgaarde, S. Acharya, K. Alberi, L.R. Baker, M.C. Beard, K. Belashchenko, J. Fransson, S. Hammes-Schiffer, M.A. Haque, M.F. Islam, A.I. Krylov, X. Li, J.M. Luther, N.T. Maitra, R. Naaman, M.R. Pederson, Y. Ping, Z. Tao, P.M. Theiler, V. Vlcek, D. Waldeck, B. Yan, I. Zutic, B. Peng, and D. Sun
Newton , submitted (2026)

This perspective paper is the outcome of a workshop held May 12-13, 2025, at the National Laboratory of the Rockies, to explore open questions concerning phenomenon of chirality induced spin selectivity (CISS). This phenomenon refers to the generation of spin polarization for transmitted electrons in chiral systems. It manifests in many forms: magnetoresistance, spin Hall effect, spin Seeback effect, and circularly polarized light emission. In contrast to the common current-induced transverse spin polarization in solid-state systems with spin-orbit coupling, in CISS the spin polarization is collinear to the current and can be induced at very low fields. CISS is observed in a wide range different systems, from low-conductivity molecules with minimal spin-orbit coupling to chiral metals and organic superconductors, as well as induced by embedding chiral molecules in achiral systems. Here we summarize many of the perplexing open questions associated with CISS, all connected to the broad theme of how a chiral system's helicity strongly enhances the exchange of spin with other forms of angular momentum (orbital, nuclear, and light). Possible avenues to clarify the treatment of spin-orbit coupling, and how to understand nonreciprocity, are discussed. We outline the present status of various ab initio techniques: How they have been applied to CISS so far, and what advances are needed to address some of the outstanding challenges. We also suggest future experimental studies that can elucidate key open questions, emphasizing the need for controlled studies and time-resolved phenomena. A few topics suggesting the great promise that CISS holds for future applications are presented, particularly with respect to spin-light conversion.

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