Brian Kubera with Jie Shan

Vibrational Circular Dichroism in the Far-Infrared

Extending the ability to measure circular dichroism spectra into the far-infrared will allow for observation of lower frequency modes in chiral materials. Vibrational CD spectra contain not only the chirality of the sample, but, also sufficient information to predict the absolute molecular configuration when combined with the absorption spectra and a suitable model. Advancements in FIR sources may make such a measurement feasible in this spectral range. A measurement scheme should be developed to utilize freely propagating, ultrafast, FIR pulses for the detection of CD. Once the device is constructed and characterized, biomolecules of interest will be selected and studied.