  Atoms are usually thought of as achiral objects. However, one can construct
superpositions of atomic states that are chiral [1]. Here we show how to excite
such superpositions with tailored light fields both in the weak-field and
strong-field regimes, using realistic laser parameters. First, we use
time-dependent Schrodinger equation (TDSE) simulations to demonstrate the
creation of a time-dependent bound chiral wavepacket in sodium atoms. Second,
we show how the time-dependent handedness of this wavepacket can be probed by
photoelectron circular dichroism, in spite of the central symmetry of the core
potential. Third, we use TDSE simulations to show how chirality can be directly
imprinted on a photoelectron wavepacket created by strong-field ionization and
introduce an unambigous chiral measure that allows us to characterize its
handedness.
