Quantum Mechanics of Photosynthetic Light Harvesting Machinery (Google Workshop on Quantum Biology)

Google Workshop on Quantum Biology Quantum Mechanics of Photosynthetic Light Harvesting Machinery Presented by Mohan Sarovar October 22, 2010 ABSTRACT After a brief discussion about the conditions required for quantum effects to be relevant in biological systems, I will focus on recent advances in our knowledge about the quantum nature of the primary processes in photosynthesis. I will review some of the experimental results and theoretical predictions regarding quantum aspects of the sophisticated molecular machinery behind photosynthesis, including coherent energy transfer and robust quantum entanglement. To conclude I will present a new direction of research that aims to harness the quantum properties of pigment-protein structures to create tunable and versatile light sensors and photovoltaic devices. About the speaker: http://www.cchem.berkeley.edu/kbwgrp/mohan/Site/Welcome.html