Features of Optical Activity in Inorganic and Organic Materials

The possibilities of manifestation of optical activity in different media (photonic crystals, metamaterials, and liquid crystals) are considered. Some interesting examples of optically active crystals are demonstrated; particular attention is paid to the relationship between the optical activity and crystal structure. Examples of manifestation of optical activity in the X-ray spectral region are presented. Specific features of the optical activity of natural organic compounds, which are related to the asymmetry of their molecules, are analyzed.