Photosynthesis, pigment–protein complexes and electronic energy transport: simple models for complicated processes. (1st September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baker, Lewis; Habershon, Scott
• Is Part Of: Science progress. Volume 100:Number 3(2017)
• Page Start: 313
• Page End: 330
• Publication Date: 2017-09-01
• Subjects: Science -- Periodicals; Research; Science; Science; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 505
• DOI: 10.3184/003685017X14967574639964
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0036-8504

Abstract

In this review, we discuss our recent work on modelling biological pigment–protein complexes, such as the Fenna–Matthews–Olson complex and light-harvesting complex-II, to explain their electronic energy transport properties. In particular, we highlight how a network-based analysis approach, where the light-absorbing pigments are treated as a network of interconnected nodes, can provide a qualitative picture of quantum dynamic energy transport. With this in mind, we demonstrate how other properties such as robustness to environmental changes can be assessed in a simple and computationally tractable manner. Such analyses could prove useful for the design of artificial energy transport networks such as those which might find application in solar cells.