Enantiosensitive exceptional points in open chiral systems
Abstract
Exceptional points (EPs) are remarkable spectral degeneracies in a non-Hermitian system's parameter space, where both eigenvalues and eigenstates coalesce. Here, we show that in non-Hermitian molecular chiral systems the position of EPs in the parameter space is enantiomer-specific. First, we show that encircling the EP of one enantiomer drives robust topological population transfer in the chiral molecule while its mirror twin remains unaffected, offering a route for selective chiral control. Second, we reveal how resonant excitation of EPs in chiral molecules can amplify weak chiral effects, offering an alternative approach to the enhancement of chiral interactions. Third, we demonstrate that a twisted chiral fiber immersed in a liquid solution of chiral molecules exhibits topologically different behavior depending on the solution's enantiomeric excess, offering a topological approach to the detection of molecular chirality. Our results combine high enantiosensitivity with topological robustness in chiral discrimination and control, paving the way for alternative approaches in the exploration of non-Hermitian and chiral phenomena.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Quantum Mechanics and Non-Hermitian Physics
Synthesis and Properties of Aromatic Compounds
Quantum chaos and dynamical systems
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Physical Review A
- Volume
- 114
- Issue
- 1
- Publication date
- 29 May 2026
- Language
- EN