Quantum-inspired 2D Spectroscopy to Detect Hidden Quantum Mechanical Effects in Photosynthetic Proteins

This project will develop a new investigation technique (quantum-inspired 2D spectroscopy) to detect quantum mechanical correlation effects in photosynthetic proteins.

We propose to create “quantum spectroscopic signals” by developing a mapping, whereby quantum signals are obtained from convolutions of traditional laser signals.

Specifically, this proposal intends to investigate excitonic dynamics in primary steps of photosynthesis in the LH2 protein and explore dynamics under incoherent excitation, e.g. by sunlight or quantum light.

We will thus obtain new insights into the potential functional relevance of quantum effects in photosynthesis, closing an important loophole in our current experimental toolbox.

The research will be conducted in Frank Schlawin group (MPSD) for 1-year and in Jennifer Ogilvie lab (University of Michigan) for 1.5-year (out-going phase), and finally in Markus Kowalewski group (Stockholm University) for the project conclusion for 0.5-year (returning phase). In MPSD, the new approach will be developed theoretically and suitable quantum states of light will be identified.

In Ogilvie lab, the obtained results will be implemented experimentally, making use of the state-of-the-art setup.

Successful implementation of this project will demonstrate, for the first time, how quantum-inspired 2D spectroscopy can enhance existing technology.

It will have a major impact on photosynthetic research and the future development of multidimensional quantum spectroscopy.