Proposal for probing energy transfer pathway by single-molecule pump-dump experiment

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel single-molecule pump-dump experimental scheme to investigate energy transfer pathways in the newly discovered eight-molecule FMO complex, combining advanced quantum simulation methods.

Contribution

It introduces a practical simulation approach for probing energy transfer pathways in BChl complexes, aiding experimental detection and artificial light-harvesting design.

Findings

Simulated EET dynamics using coherent modified Redfield theory and non-Markovian quantum jump methods.

Proposed scheme can detect realistic EET pathways with current experimental technology.

Potential to optimize artificial light-harvesting device design.

Abstract

The structure of Fenna-Matthews-Olson (FMO) light-harvesting complex has long been recognized as containing seven bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) molecules. Recently, an additional BChl molecule was discovered in the crystal structure of the FMO complex, which may serve as a link between baseplate and the remaining seven molecules. Here, we investigate excitation energy transfer (EET) process by simulating single-molecule pump-dump experiment in the eight-molecules complex. We adopt the coherent modified Redfield theory and non-Markovian quantum jump method to simulate EET dynamics. This scheme provides a practical approach of detecting the realistic EET pathway in BChl complexes with currently available experimental technology. And it may assist optimizing design of artificial light-harvesting devices.