Quantum trajectory tests of radical-pair quantum dynamics in CIDNP measurements of photosynthetic reaction centers

TL;DR

This paper uses quantum trajectories to analyze radical-pair dynamics in CIDNP measurements, revealing inconsistencies in conventional theories and impacting the interpretation of photosynthetic reaction center experiments.

Contribution

It introduces a quantum trajectory approach to radical-pair dynamics, challenging existing master equation models in CIDNP research.

Findings

Quantum trajectories provide a consistent description of radical-pair evolution.

Identification of a major inconsistency in conventional radical-pair theory.

Implications for interpreting CIDNP experiments in photosynthesis.

Abstract

Chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization is a ubiquitous phenomenon in photosynthetic reaction centers. The relevant nuclear spin observables are a direct manifestation of the radical-pair mechanism. We here use quantum trajectories to describe the time evolution of radical-pairs, and compare their prediction of nuclear spin observables to the one derived from the radical-pair master equation. While our approach provides a consistent description, we unravel a major inconsistency within the conven- tional theory, thus challenging the theoretical interpretation of numerous CIDNP experiments sensitive to radical-pair reaction kinetics.