Controlling Energy Transfer Pathways
Abstract
Recently, we discovered that electronic energy transfer in photosynthesis exploits resonances between vibrations and electronic motions. This discovery suggests new methods, using specific and targeted vibrational-electronic resonances, to control energy transfer pathways that are in some ways analogous to routing highways. However, the design of resonant energy transfer pathways still requires that competing transfers be shut down, and we have identified conical intersections at constant coupling and conical nodes as complicating factors for study. We have found a reduced framework for treating relaxation processes using anti-correlated vibrations, which must be treated on an equal footing with electrons when resonant. Perturbative approaches for including non-resonant and indirectly coupled vibrations will be explored so that the near perfect energy transfer efficiency of photosynthesis can be understood. The objectives of the proposed research are to determine the factors that control energy transfer efficiency and the parameter range that allows targeting a specific acceptor, evaluate quantum confined two dimensional materials that might be used for controlling energy transfer pathways in light of those factors, and begin making the building blocks for controlling and directing energy transfer.The approach combines computation of energy transfer processes on the simplest realistic models with computation and measurement of femtosecond two-dimensional Fourier transform spectra. Two-dimensional Fourier transform spectroscopy experiments are planned on perovskite nanoplatelets with atomic layer controlled thickness. With alloying, such materials have the needed tunability, and two-dimensional spectroscopy measurements will be used to evaluate their bandgap inhomogeneity and the dynamical factors that influence energy transfer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 09, 2018
- Source ID
- FA95501810211
Entities
People
- David M. Jonas
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Regents of the University of Colorado
- United States Air Force