Photochemical dynamics of biological and technological photoswitches (BULLJU20CHEMSc)

Molecules that change shape in response to absorbing light are found throughout the natural world and are increasingly becoming incorporated into technological applications. The most well-known example is retinal, which is present in your eyes and undergoes an ultrafast cis  trans photoisomerisation following the absorption of visible light - this process is allowing you to read this exciting MSc advertisement! Other examples include the chromophore in photoactive yellow protein (PYP, a blue-light sensor in Halorhodospira halophila), photopharmaceuticals in light in the bio-optical window can activate a drug molecule, and light-driven molecular machines which can perform microscopic tasks upon external light stimulus. In each of these examples, the light-absorbing and shape-changing portion of the molecule is called a photoswitch.

This project involves characterising the ultrafast dynamics of important molecular photoswitches, including substituted para-hydroxycinnamates as models for the PYP chromophore, substituted stilbenoids as common actuators used in light-driven molecular machines, and reversible photocyclization/ring opening photoswitch molecules used in light-responsive materials. The candidate will use a combination of solution-based femtosecond time-resolved fluorescence up-conversion spectroscopy, gas-phase action spectroscopies, and electronic structure theory methods to ascertain absorption profiles, excited state lifetimes, photoisomerisation quantum yields, and detailed information on the shape-changing mechanism.

In the latter stages of the project, the candidate may assist in the development of new ultrafast spectroscopy techniques: (i) coupling ion mobility spectrometry with action spectroscopy to investigate the photochemistry and ultrafast dynamics of shape/isomer selected molecules in the gas-phase, and (ii) solution-based ultrafast techniques using microfluidic flow devices coupled with ion mobility mass spectrometry as online detection strategy for photoisomerisation dynamics in solution.

The candidate will join an active and friendly research group. Previous experience in some elements of the project (lasers, data analysis, electronic structure theory, design of scientific instrumentation) would be desirable, but not essential.

For more information on the supervisor for this project, please go here: https://people.uea.ac.uk/james_bull

This is a Masters of Science by Research studentship.

The start date of the project is 1 February 2021.

The mode of study is full-time. The studentship length is 1 year.