Coherent nuclear motion and exciton state dynamics in photosynthetic light-harvesting pigment proteins

T. Pullerits, M. Chachisvilis, I. I. Fedchenia, M. R. Jones, C. N. Hunter, S. Larsson, V. Sundström

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingPaper in conference proceedingpeer-review

Abstract

We have used approximately 40 fs pulses from a Ti:sapphire laser to investigate the ultrafast energy transfer and relaxation dynamics in the light-harvesting pigment-proteins of photosynthetic purple bacteria. Our results reveal two new features, not earlier observed in light-harvesting pigments: (1) ultrafast relaxation characterized by a time constant of approximately 20 fs, which we interpret as interexciton state relaxation; (2) coherent nuclear motions. These new results are challenging the applicability of the `standard' Forster theory to the excitation transfer in photosynthetic antennae which motivated us to examine a more detailed description of the dynamics.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication5th International Conference on Laser Applications in Life Sciences : 28 June-2 July 1994, Minsk, Belarus
EditorsPavel A. Apanasevich, Nikolai I. Koroteev, Sergei G. Kruglik, Victor N. Zadkov
PublisherSociety of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers
Pages242-252
Number of pages11
ISBN (Print)0819417157
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1995
Externally publishedYes
Event5th International Conference on Laser Applications in Life Sciences - Minsk, Belorus
Duration: 1994 Jun 281994 Jul 2

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume2370
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

Conference5th International Conference on Laser Applications in Life Sciences
CityMinsk, Belorus
Period1994/06/281994/07/02

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Atom and Molecular Physics and Optics

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