Universality of photoelectron circular dichroism in the photoionization of chiral molecules. (12th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Beaulieu, S; Ferré, A; Géneaux, R; Canonge, R; Descamps, D; Fabre, B; Fedorov, N; Légaré, F; Petit, S; Ruchon, T; Blanchet, V; Mairesse, Y; Pons, B
• Is Part Of: New journal of physics. Volume 18:Number 10(2016:Oct.)
• Publication Date: 2016-10-12
• Subjects: photoelectron circular dichroism -- chirality -- strong fields -- multiphoton ionization; 33.55.+b -- 78.20.Ek -- 33.80.Rv -- 82.50.Pt; Physics -- Periodicals; Physics; Periodicals; 530.05
• DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/18/10/102002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1367-2630

Abstract

Abstract: Photoionization of chiral molecules by circularly polarized radiation gives rise to a strong forward/backward asymmetry in the photoelectron angular distribution, referred to as photoelectron circular dichroism (PECD). Here we show that PECD is a universal effect that reveals the inherent chirality of the target in all ionization regimes: single photon, multiphoton, above-threshold and tunnel ionization. These different regimes provide complementary spectroscopic information at electronic and vibrational levels. The universality of the PECD can be understood in terms of a classical picture of the ionizing process, in which electron scattering on the chiral potential under the influence of a circularly polarized electric field results in a strong forward/backward asymmetry.