Multi-Dimensional Switching of Ring Currents in Nonplanar Chiral Aromatic Molecules by Ultrashort Linearly Polarized UV Laser Pulses

Abstract

Nonplanar chiral aromatic ring molecules are candidates for use as ultrafast multi-dimensional optical switching devices. Nonplanar (P)-2, 2’-biphenol exhibits four patterns of π-electron rotations along the two phenol rings. It can induce two-dimensional coherent ring currents. Each rotational pattern can be driven by a coherent excitation of two quasi-degenerate electronic states using linearly polarized ultrashort UV pulses. We present the quantum dynamical simulation results of a four-step switching of the two-dimensional ring currents within 300 fs.