XXIX Elettra Users’ Meeting

Molecular chirality is a central property in Nature. However, as biological functions are homochiral, a central issue in relation to various applications is the separation and identification of enantiomers of chiral molecules. Regarding the latter, the use of short-wavelength spectroscopic methods is gaining momentum, as the sensitivity scales inversely with the wavelength of light.
 

Both X-ray circular (CD) and X-ray helical dichroism (HD) are being explored. Furthermore, non-linear spectroscopies in the optical domain have been shown to be promising tools for the identification of enantiomers, and are being considered in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) to X-ray domains, as this would add element-selectivity to the enantio-selectivity. Last, when light carries an orbital angular momentum, it becomes a more reactive chiral reagent and enhances the sensitivity in distinguishing enantiomers. 

The goal of the workshop…