Principles of fundamental symmetry in optical vortex interactions

In the interactions of optical vortices with matter, principles of fundamental symmetry determine the viability of observing various forms of chiral discrimination. To elicit the underlying principles requires careful analysis of the geometrically chiral structure of the beam. The scale of observation becomes especially important for local, intra-beam measurements, as for example when quantum transitions occur. Approaching such issues invites a deeper analysis in terms of fundamental symmetry, in order to ascertain conditions in which chiral discrimination may, or may not, be permissible. These methods provide a straightforward and reliable basis for judgement on whether previously unrecognized forms of interaction may be worth pursuing in experiment.