Molecular dynamics of primary photoprocesses in bacteriorhodopsin: subpicosecond study of absorption and luminescence kinetics

Abstract

A subpicosecond laser spectrometer with a time resolution of 0.3 psec for the investigation of absorption kinetics has been created. With the help of a streak camera, the luminescence time of bacteriorhodopsin has been measured to be ≤ 2 psec. Bacteriorhodospin absorption changes at 410–750 nm, arising within the time interval 0.5–10 psec after sample excitation have been measured. The experiments characterize the development of all the stages of the initial conformation of bacteriorhodopsin (BR) from the excited state BR* through primary photoproduct J to the intermediate K.