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Optimal conditions for detecting optical dichroism at the nanoscale by electron energy-loss spectroscopy

Marek Zálešák1,2, Martin Ošmera1,3, Martin Hrtoň1,2, and Andrea Konečná1,2,*

  • *Contact author: andrea.konecna@vutbr.cz
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Phys. Rev. Materials 10, 073805 – Published 22 July, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/k5v9-jc5b

Abstract

The emergence of optical circular dichroism in chiral nanoscale and molecular systems provides not only a way for analyzing the sample chirality itself but also additional degrees of freedom in manipulating light. Such manipulation can be reached even at the nanoscale level; however, probing and understanding the properties of optical fields well below the diffraction limit requires an adequate technique. Electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) with orbital angular momentum (OAM)-based electron state sorting has been suggested as a suitable candidate, but to date, no conclusive experiments have been evidenced. We, therefore, theoretically explore the emergence of dichroism in EELS for a canonical single-twist helix nanostructure and present a detailed analysis of the optimal parameters to obtain a robust signal. Our work offers insights into the interpretation of the OAM-resolved EELS signal and its sensitivity to various experimental parameters, which can inspire and guide future experimental efforts.

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New Insights into Functional Materials through Advanced Electron Microscopy

The Editors of Physical Review Materials are pleased to present the Collection on New Insights into Functional Materials through Advanced Electron Microscopy, highlighting cutting-edge microscopy techniques and the extraordinary advances in materials science and engineering that they enable. The Collection is being guest-edited by Joanne Etheridge from Monash University (Australia) and Yimei Zhu from Brookhaven National Laboratory (USA). Every article published in this collection underwent a rigorous peer review process, adhering to the same high standards applied to all papers. The Physical Review Materials editorial team managed the peer review and made all editorial decisions.

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Phys. Rev. Materials 10, 073805– Published 22 July, 2026
  • Received 18 February 2026
  • Accepted 22 June 2026
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