title: Optimal Energy Transfer in Light-Harvesting Systems.
abstract: Photosynthesis is one of the most essential biological processes in which specialized pigment-protein complexes absorb solar photons, and with a remarkably high efficiency, guide the photo-induced excitation energy toward the reaction center to subsequently trigger its conversion to chemical energy. In this work, we review the principles of optimal energy transfer in various natural and artificial light harvesting systems. We begin by presenting the guiding principles for optimizing the energy transfer efficiency in systems connected to dissipative environments, with particular attention paid to the potential role of quantum coherence in light harvesting systems. We will comment briefly on photo-protective mechanisms in natural systems that ensure optimal functionality under varying ambient conditions. For completeness, we will also present an overview of the charge separation and electron transfer pathways in reaction centers. Finally, recent theoretical and experimental progress on excitation energy transfer, charge separation, and charge transport in artificial light harvesting systems is delineated, with organic solar cells taken as prime examples.
authors: Division of Materials Science, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue,Singapore 639798, Singapore. CHEN0846@e.ntu.edu.sg.
authors: Lipeng
authors: L
authors: Chen
authors: Division of Materials Science, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue,Singapore 639798, Singapore. pmshenai@ntu.edu.sg.
authors: Prathamesh
authors: P
authors: Shenai
authors: Division of Materials Science, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue,Singapore 639798, Singapore. M130048@e.ntu.edu.sg.
authors: Fulu
authors: F
authors: Zheng
authors: Division of Materials Science, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue,Singapore 639798, Singapore. SOMO0001@e.ntu.edu.sg.
authors: Alejandro
authors: A
authors: Somoza
authors: Division of Materials Science, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue,Singapore 639798, Singapore. YZhao@ntu.edu.sg.
authors: Yang
authors: Y
authors: Zhao
mesh_terms: D019414:Chlorobi / Q000378:metabolism; D004735:Energy Transfer; D045342:Light-Harvesting Protein Complexes / Q000378:metabolism*; D010944:Plants / Q000378:metabolism*; D020560:Proteobacteria / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D045342:Light-Harvesting Protein Complexes
keywords: charge separation; natural and artificial light harvesting systems; non-photochemical quenching; optimal energy transfer; quantum coherence