Project description
Enantiomer-specific state transfer produces an enantiomer-pure beam of chiral molecules
Chemistry and many other disciplines often require samples containing only one species. When molecules with the same chemical formula can exist in two different conformations (enantiomers), separating them can be challenging. The ambitious ERC-funded COCOCIMO project aims to leverage an innovative quantum chemical approach co-developed by its coordinator to produce an enantiomer-pure beam of chiral molecules from a racemic sample. By driving a closed triad of rotational transitions using microwaves, they will create a chosen internal quantum state of the chiral molecules with enantiomer specificity. Following coherence induction via collimation and then state-selective matter-wave diffraction, the diffracted enantiomer-pure beam will be detected state-selectively.
Objective
The ambitious goal of this project is to create an enantiomer-pure beam of chiral molecules, starting from a racemic sample, using an experimental coherent state preparation scheme.
The basic elements of the proposed experiments are the following.
A cold, gas-phase beam of chiral molecules is created via supersonic jet expansion. Two levels of a triad of rotational states that are connected via electric dipole allowed transitions are emptied using resonant UV depletion in combination with simultaneous microwave repumping.
Driving a closed triad of rotational transitions using microwaves prepares a chosen internal quantum state of the chiral molecules enantiomer-specifically. This is called enantiomer-specific state transfer; a new method, that I co-developed. After coherence preparation using collimation, state-selective matter-wave diffraction is accomplished using a resonant, absorptive optical grating.
The diffracted enantiomer-pure beam is detected state-selectively using 2D planar laser-induced fluorescence detection.
Eventually, this beam can be used for further spectroscopic or scattering studies or for depositing the enantiopure sample on a surface.
The scheme that is to be demonstrated in COCOCIMO will be applicable to any chiral molecule.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2023-STG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
80539 MUNCHEN
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.