Photosynthesis is a process vital to life on Earth by which energy from light is converted to chemical energy. Although much is understood about this process, unanswered questions remain that, if answered, could inspire more efficient artificial light harvesting technologies. The technique of two-dimensional (2D) spectroscopy has shown promise in addressing some of these questions. In this talk, I will discuss 2D studies of the Bacterial Reaction Center (BRC), a pigment-protein complex that serves as a model system for investigating the initial steps of photosynthesis. By exciting the BRC in the near-IR and detecting the response over a broad portion of the visible spectrum, we are able to uncover previously obscured coupling between BRC pigments and begin to further elucidate the kinetic pathways of energy transfer and charge separation.

Talks will be given each Wednesday and will be 30 minutes in length, with time after for questions. Lunch will be served at 11:45 and talks will begin at 12:00. Unless otherwise noted, they will be held in 340 West Hall.