Optical spectroscopy of photosynthetic complexes

地球上生命的存在依赖于光合作用，光合作用是一种非常有效的将光能转化为化学能的过程。揭开光合作用的主要事件(光收集、能量转移和初级电荷转移)的细节对于充分理解自然界实现如此高效率的能量转换的方式是必要的。这些研究不仅从基础科学的角度具有重要意义，而且可能对新型光伏器件的发展做出贡献。发现更好的利用阳光能源的方法将带来经济和各种环境效益，例如减少污染和温室气体排放，防止不受欢迎的气候变化等。

The existence of life on Earth depends on photosynthesis, a remarkably effective process of converting light energy into chemical energy. Unraveling the details of the primary events of photosynthesis (light harvesting, energy transfer and primary charge transfer) is necessary to fully understand the ways in which Nature achieved such a high effectiveness of energy conversion. These studies are important not only from the viewpoint of fundamental science, but could contribute to the development of novel photovoltaic devices. Discovering better ways to harness sunlight energy will result in economical as well as various environmental benefits, e.g. reduction of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, prevention of undesired climate changes, etc.