Chiral resolution based on laser-induced continuum structure

Abstract

In this paper we propose a chiral resolution technique based on laser-induced continuum structure (LICS). We show that the two enantiomers can have a different ionization profile based on implemented LICS excitation. We treat a cyclic excitation between two bound states and a continuum state and show how asymmetric ionization can be achieved based on different trapping of the enantiomers due to the additional coupling between the bound states. Alternatively, when multiple states are involved in the interaction we investigate a multilevel LICS strategy of asymmetric ionization based on dark-bright state trapping. In this latter case one of the enantiomers is trapped in a dark state, which is immune to ionization, while the other is driven in a bright state, from which the population leaks into the continuum.