First observation of natural circular dichroism spectra in the extreme ultraviolet region using a polarizing undulator-based optical system and its polarization characteristics

Natural circular dichroism (CD) spectra in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) region down to a wavelength of 80 nm have been observed for the first time, using an alanine thin film deposited on sodium salicylate coated glass as a sample. Calibrated EUV-CD spectra of L-alanine exhibited a large negative peak at around 120 nm and a positive CD signal below 90 nm, which were roughly predicted by theoretical calculations. A CD measurement system with an Onuki-type polarizing undulator was used to obtain the EUV-CD spectra. This CD system, the development of which took five years, can be used to observe even weak natural CD spectra. The polarization characteristics of this system were also evaluated in order to calibrate the recorded CD spectra. (C) 2009 International Union of Crystallography Printed in Singapore - all rights reserved