On electron scattering from optically active molecules

Abstract

Qualitative consideration is given to the likely origin of the apparently parity violating features of spin-dependent electron scattering from optically active molecules. Interactions which are basically parity conserving and well understood are contemplated, adopting arguments developed by other authors in the context of 'neutron optical activity'. Spin-orbit coupling between the projectile electron and the central fields of the constituent atoms appears to be one possible but not necessarily the dominant source of the phenomena in question.