Direct Observation of Time-Dependent Coherent Chiral Tunneling Dynamics

Area of Science:

• Quantum Chemistry
• Molecular Dynamics
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Molecular chirality arises from handedness, but superpositions of chiral states can create achiral, delocalized eigenstates.
• Theoretical studies suggest coherent superpositions could dynamically induce chiral states, but experimental evidence was lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally create and probe coherent chiral tunneling dynamics in molecules.
• To investigate the time evolution of induced chiral wave packets.
• To demonstrate control over molecular chirality using phase modulation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a microwave pump-probe spectroscopy technique.
• Employed a time-resolved scheme to observe dynamics.
• Applied phase modulation during pump excitation for control.

Main Results:

• Successfully created and observed coherent chiral tunneling dynamics in a specific rotational state.
• Uncovered the periodic time evolution of the induced chiral wave packet under field-free conditions.
• Demonstrated precise phase control over molecular coherence via pump excitation modulation.

Conclusions:

• Experimental realization of coherent chiral tunneling dynamics is achieved.
• Time-resolved observation confirms the periodic evolution of chiral wave packets.
• Phase control of molecular chirality is experimentally validated, offering new manipulation possibilities.