Theoretical Study of Spin-Polarized Electron Tunneling via C$_{60}$ Molecules

The controlled injection and transport of spin-polarized electrons through organic molecules has drawn increasing attention in recent years due to its potential applications in molecular and molecular-nano hybrid electronics and sensors. In this talk, we will present the results of a theoretical study of spin-polarized electron tunneling via C$_{60}$ molecules in contact with ferromagnetic nickel electrodes. In this system, the resistance varies as the magnetic moments in the two electrodes are tuned from parallel to anti-parallel alignment. Particular attention is given to the chemical bonding features in the molecule-electrode interface, which leads to the observed difference in magnetoresistance.