Imprinting Chirality on Atoms Using Synthetic Chiral Light Fields

Atoms are usually thought of as achiral objects. However, one can construct superpositions of atomic states that are chiral [1]. Here, we show how to excite such superpositions with tailored light fields both in the weak-field and strong-field regimes, using realistic laser parameters. First, we use time-dependent Schrodinger equation simulations to demonstrate the creation of a time-dependent bound chiral wave packet in sodium atoms. Second, we show how the time-dependent handedness of this wave packet can be probed by photoelectron circular dichroism, in spite of the central symmetry of the core potential. Third, we use time-dependent Schrodinger equation simulations to show how chirality can be directly imprinted on a photoelectron wave packet created by strong-field ionization and introduce an unambiguous chiral measure that allows us to characterize its handedness.

Automated summary

This study investigates the excitation of chiral superpositions in atoms and the methods for detecting their chirality. Customized light fields are used to achieve this excitation in both weak-field and strong-field regimes, and the chirality is detected through photoelectron circular dichroism and chiral measures on the photoelectron wave packet.