Controlled enantiomeric transformation with femtosecond laser pulses (B04)

• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 328961117

This project studies the transformation of an individual molecule from one enantiomer to the other. Thereby, we exploit chirality-modifying wave packets created by the excitation of the molecule with a short laser pulse. After observing such wave packets in an excited state with a decreased energy barrier between the enantiomers, we will continue with our plan to stop the wave packets in such a way that the handedness of the molecule has changed. Finally, we will make the transformation enantioselective. With this last ingredient, we can change a racemate into a sample with enantiomeric excess.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1319: Extreme light for sensing and driving molecular chirality (ELCH)
• Applicant Institution: Universität Kassel
• Project Head: Dr. Arne Senftleben