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Area of Science:

  • Quantum Chemistry
  • Molecular Physics
  • Spectroscopy

Background:

  • Chiral systems possess unique properties due to their asymmetric structure.
  • Previous studies induced electronic chirality using multiple laser pulses.
  • Light-induced electronic chirality offers a pathway to control molecular properties without altering nuclear configurations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To demonstrate a simpler method for inducing long-lived electronic chirality using a single laser pulse.
  • To analyze the mechanism of light-induced electronic chirality in achiral molecules.
  • To explore the potential applications of transient chirality in spintronics and reaction dynamics.

Main Methods:

  • Numerical simulations using state-of-the-art ab initio theory.
  • Application of a single monochromatic circularly polarized laser pulse to oriented achiral molecules.
  • Analysis of induced electronic chiral currents and magnetic dipole moments.

Main Results:

  • A single circularly polarized laser pulse induces persistent electronic chiral currents in achiral molecules.
  • These chiral currents are linked to magnetic dipole moments detectable by attosecond time-resolved electronic circular dichroism (TR-ECD) spectroscopy.
  • The induced chirality exhibits rapid oscillations in handedness and persists after the laser pulse, analogous to high harmonic generation.

Conclusions:

  • A single laser pulse can induce and control electronic chirality in molecules.
  • Attosecond transient chirality control is achievable, with potential implications for spintronics and chemical reaction dynamics.
  • This method provides a novel route to explore and manipulate chiral phenomena in molecular systems.