Photosynthetic Complexes: Molecularly Activated Bioswitches and Agents for Light Powered Molecular Circuitry

Abstract

This program was directed at demonstrating functional optoelectronic devices by contacting individual, highly photoactive molecules of biological origin. This 2 phase program (each phase duration of 1 year), successfully addressed the fundamental engineering issues associated with the application of protein/molecular aggregates to electronic devices: purification of the complexes, and their interconnection to conventional bulk organic circuitry. We have demonstrated a molecular power source using a single antenna complex extracted from a biological photosynthetic unit. To exploit the optimization of photosynthesis, we have demonstrated, for the first time, the solid state integration of photosynthetic complexes in solar cells. The internal quantum efficiency of the first generation of devices is estimated to be 12%.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 11, 2004
Accession Number
ADA429068

Entities

People

  • Marc A Baldo
  • Stephen R. Forrest

Organizations

  • Princeton University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Absorption Spectra
  • Cells
  • Chemistry
  • Coatings
  • Efficiency
  • Energy
  • Engineering
  • Materials
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Molecular Electronics
  • Molecules
  • Quantum Efficiency
  • Quantum Yields
  • Self Assembly
  • Semiconductors
  • Solar Cells

Readers

  • Chemistry (specifically Chemical Fluorescence)
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Nanocomposite Materials Science

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Quantum Computing