2011-05-11
10:15 at HCI J 574

Quantum coherent properties of natural and biomimetic light harvesting antennas

Mohan Sarovar

Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA, USA

Recent demonstrations of quantum coherent behavior during energy transfer in photosynthetic light harvesting antennas (LHAs) have spurred much activity aimed at understanding the extent and role of quantum coherence in these biomolecular systems. I will present an overview of our current state of understanding of the prevalence and importance of quantum coherence in Nature's extremely efficient energy transfer machinery. This will include a discussion of the quantum entanglement present in LHAs during energy transfer. In the second half of the talk I will review a new direction of research that aims to apply the lessons learned from analyzing natural LHAs to construct artificial organic photovoltaics with engineered quantum properties that enhance photon capture and energy transfer efficiency. Part of the work presented was done in collaboration with: K. Birgitta Whaley, Akihito Ishizaki, Graham Fleming, Dan Finley, and Matthew Francis, all of the University of California, Berkeley.