Various experiments have indicated that electron transfer through nonmagnetic chiral hydrocarbon molecules is spin dependent. This property is called the chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS)...Show moreVarious experiments have indicated that electron transfer through nonmagnetic chiral hydrocarbon molecules is spin dependent. This property is called the chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect and its presence cannot be explained with current theoretical models. To detect the CISS effect experimentally, chiral molecules have to be isolated. Therefore, transport through a single chiral molecule must be measured with STM. A fabrication procedure for sharp and stable nickel STM tips has been developed using electrochemical etching. The produced tips are very sharp and have an average opening angle of 18.9° and an apex size below 200 nm. The magnetic polarisation of the tip can be reversed in situ by a magnetic field, induced by a coil around the tip, which has been demonstrated. The quality and the magnetisation of the tips have been tested on HOPG, gold and nickel with STM. Clear large-scale images were obtained on all materials. Atomic resolution was obtained on HOPG. With these challenges resolved, STM measurements using a nickel tip with both magnetic polarisations can be performed in the study of single chiral molecules as spin filter and the investigation of the CISS effect.Show less
Lateral spin valve structures were fabricated from permalloy and silver, where the permalloy functions as injector of spin polarization to induce a pure spin current in the silver. A second...Show moreLateral spin valve structures were fabricated from permalloy and silver, where the permalloy functions as injector of spin polarization to induce a pure spin current in the silver. A second permalloy wire was used to measure a non local signal that is the result of this spin current.Show less
