Photodynamics of Light Harvesting Systems

Ruijter, Ward Piet Frans de (2005)

Doctoral Thesis

Light harvesting (LH) lies at the basis of photosynthesis, the process in which energy from the sun is stored by a photochemical reaction. The photophysics of light absorption and energy transfer is the key to a detailed understanding of the first steps in this process. This thesis describes the investigation of four types of LH systems that are expressed by bacteria, depending on light conditions. All systems have been studied by optical single-particle spectroscopy in order to eliminate the averaging effects that are typical for ensemble measurements. In this way, the spectral details of the individual systems are reveiled, allowing for a better understanding of the photodynamics that are associated with their spatial structures.

• Photosynthesis
• Single Molecule Spectroscopy

• All authors: Ruijter, Ward Piet Frans de
• Supervisor: Aartsma, T.J.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Science, Leiden University
• Date: 2005-11-07