PHOTOCODE · Photodriven spin selectivity in chiral organic molecules and devices

Photodriven spin selectivity in chiral organic molecules and devices

Optical control of electron spin in organic molecules, thin films, and optoelectronic devices has the potential to revolutionize multiple technological sectors, including renewable energy, illumination and displays, information technology, sensing, healthcare, and quantum computing. The overarching goal of PHOTOCODE is to exploit a recently discovered phenomenon — the chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect — to achieve unprecedented control of spin processes in organic molecules and devices. To this end, the project investigates how electron spins are influenced by molecular chirality, using electron donor–acceptor (D–A) dyads as model systems and focusing on the mechanism of photoinduced electron transfer. PHOTOCODE is structured around three main objectives, designed to establish how the CISS effect can be understood and harnessed at the molecular level: Outgoing phase Obj. 1: Identify the key molecular parameters that govern photoinduced CISS in chiral D–A organic dyads (e.g., optimal donor/acceptor molecules, bridge architectures, functional groups). Obj. 2: Provide direct experimental evidence of how CISS influences the photophysics of organic dyads relevant for optoelectronic applications, using time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Return phase Obj. 3: Integrate the most promising dyads into prototype opto/spintronic devices — specifically, spin-organic photovoltaics (SOPVs) — to demonstrate how spin-selective transport can enhance photoconversion efficiency. In the long term, PHOTOCODE aims to establish chirality as a powerful tool to control the interplay between light and electron spins. This will drive advances in opto- and spintronics and has the potential to deliver broad impact for: (1) society, through new devices that improve quality of life for European citizens; (2) the economy, by stimulating innovation; (3) policy, by contributing to green photovoltaic technologies that support the EU target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050; and (4) international leadership, by positioning Europe at the forefront of next-generation optoelectronic and spintronic technologies. In addition, the ability to control spins via molecular chirality offers exciting opportunities in quantum information science, where light-driven spin control and initialization can be applied to molecular spin qubits. In this way, PHOTOCODE contributes to several Quantum Flagship priority areas (such as quantum computing and quantum sensing) and consolidates Europe’s leadership in the second quantum revolution, reinforcing its scientific excellence and global competitiveness in quantum research.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз