C3

Quantum control for enantiomer separation and purification

Prof. Dr. Christiane Koch

Molecules of a given handedness require enantiomer-specific chemical synthesis. This project is dedicated to investigating whether and how suitably tailored electromagnetic fields can be used to convert a mixture with molecules of both handednesses into an enantio-pure sample. Enantiomer-selective excitation followed by separation as well as a unidirectional conversion of one enantiomer into the other are possible means towards this goal. Quantum control theory will be employed to derive the shape of the electromagnetic fields that drive the required rotational and vibrational dynamics.