Objective
Molecular chirality plays a fundamental role in most chemical reactions and biochemical processes underlying life on earth. The underlying quantum processes unfold on electronic time scales, requiring a breakthrough: attosecond chiroptical pump–probe spectroscopy. We will generate the first characterized, isolated, circularly polarized attosecond pulses and apply them in kinematically complete electron–ion coincidence experiments. This will enable direct measurements of electronic wave packets in photoexcited chiral molecules. Attosecond electron motion in superposition states is predicted to create geometric magnetism that induces large, novel circular dichroisms—effects not yet observed on sub-10-fs time scales. Our attosecond chiroptical spectroscopy provides a unique route to test these and other fascinating predictions. We will also induce and control charge migration in chiral molecules to reveal how attosecond-pulse chirality shapes chiral charge-migration currents. We will probe their impact on spin polarization of ejected electrons and on molecular orientations, delivering the first ultrafast, time-resolved insight into mechanisms underlying chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS). Together, these experiments on chiral electron wave packets and chiral charge migration target fundamental advances in understanding the electronic dynamics that drive chiral function. To broaden impact, we will systematically extend from isolated to micro- and fully hydrated chiral molecules, tracking how adding water molecules one-by-one modifies geometric magnetism, induced circular dichroism, attosecond photoionization delays, chiral wave packets, and charge migration. These studies will reveal how hydration shells reshape bound and continuum chiral electron dynamics, shift electronic states and time scales, and open new dissipation channels that dephase electronic coherences, clarifying the role of solvation in attosecond chiral dynamics directly relevant to life.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology materials engineering amorphous solids amorphous semiconductors
- natural sciences chemical sciences
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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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)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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.
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-2025-ADG
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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.
8092 Zuerich
Switzerland
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.