KEMS9618 CH4/NANO4: Fundamentals and Applications of Chiral Molecules and Crystals (JSS33) (3 cr)

This course will introduce the basic concepts and terminology of chiral molecules and look at their unique optical properties and the underlying theory including their structural characterization with practical demonstrations and computer demos to aid the visualization and calculation of the optical properties. The application of chirality molecules and crystals in materials science and its importance to the development of new nanomaterials will be emphasized. 

After passing the course students should understand:

• The role of (homo)chirality in life (art, math, etc.), terminology and definitions
• Optical activity of chiral compounds, energy ranges, Chirality induction, second harmonics generation, NLO, etc.
• Crystallographic symmetry and rigorous definition of chirality
• Properties of non-centrosymmetric crystals and crystallization techniques
• Chirality transfer and chirality at the nanoscale on surfaces
• Chirality in technology and the CISS effect and ‘hot topics’ in chirality

Bachelor of science recommended but not necessary