Twisted laser light distinguishes mirror-image molecules by their fragment counts

by Tata Institute of Fundamental Research

edited by Lisa Lock , reviewed by Robert Egan

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Add as preferred source Schematic illustration of twisted-light interaction with chiral camphor. Credit: Ram Gopal, TIFR Hyderabad Many molecules exist in two mirror-image forms—like left and right hands—that look identical but can behave very differently, especially in biological systems and pharmaceuticals. Distinguishing between these enantiomers (also called chiral molecules) is a longstanding challenge in science and technology. A useful analogy is that of a screw and a nut: A right-handed screw fits only into a right-handed thread, while a left-handed one will not engage properly.