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Multidimensional helical dichroism from a chiral molecular nanoassembly.
Yusheng Jin1, Xinghao Wang1, Zhijie Xia1
1CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
Nature Communications
|January 29, 2026
Summary
This study introduces helical dichroism, a novel method using photonic orbital angular momentum, to detect molecular chirality with enhanced sensitivity. This technique offers stronger signals for chiral molecular sensing compared to traditional circular dichroism.
Area of Science:
- Optics
- Biomedicine
- Materials Science
- Chiroptical Spectroscopy
Background:
- Detecting molecular chirality is vital across various scientific fields.
- Conventional chiroptical spectroscopy often yields weak signals, limiting trace chiral molecule detection.
- Existing methods struggle with sensitivity, requiring high concentrations of chiral molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a novel method for enhanced chiral molecular sensing.
- To investigate chiral light-matter interactions using photonic orbital angular momentum.
- To achieve stronger chiroptical responses for detecting molecular chirality.
Main Methods:
- Experimental synthesis of chiral nanoassemblies from L/D-cystines.
- Measurement of helical dichroism spectra.
- Electromagnetic simulations for validation.
- Analysis of helical dichroism in wavelength, polarization, and momentum domains.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated strong chiroptical responses reflecting molecular chirality in single chiral nanoassemblies.
- Achieved asymmetry factors of 0.53 (fundamental wavelength) and 1.18 (photoluminescence emission).
- Observed helical dichroism spectra consistent with electromagnetic simulations.
Conclusions:
- Helical dichroism spectroscopy offers a powerful new tool for highly sensitive chiral molecular sensing.
- The findings advance the understanding of chiral light-matter interactions.
- This method expands capabilities for detecting trace amounts of chiral molecules.
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