Low Photon Flux Research Articles

UV/H2O2 Process Under High Intensity UV Irradiation: A Rapid and Effective Method for Methylene Blue Decolorization

AbstractThis study examined the UV/H2O2 decolorization efficiency under high UV photon flux (intensity normalized by photon energy) irradiation; the incident UV was ranging from 3.13 × 10−8 to 3.13 × 10−6 einstein cm−2 s−1. The experimental results showed that complete decolorization of 20 mg L−1 methylene blue (MB) can be achieved within 5 s and 99% decolorization of 1000 mg L−1 MB can be achieved in 180 s under the best condition of high UV intensity UV/H2O2 process. To the best of our knowledge, UV/H2O2 decolorization process in such a short time has not been reported. The electrical energy per order of the process was 16.21 kWh m−3 order−1 and it is relatively economical compared with other advanced oxidation processes. The kinetics of decolorization follows pseudo‐first order. There is a linear relationship between rate constant and UV intensity, which indicates that increasing UV intensity does not cause decline in light utilization efficiency. The experiment related to initial substrate concentration shows decolorization rate of different substrate concentration (20–1000 mg L−1) are closed to each other. Besides, optimal H2O2 concentration, comparative study with low photon flux light, decolorization of other types of dyes and TOC removal were also studied.

Light level does not alter ethylene sensitivity in radish or pea

Ethylene accumulation occurs in many plant growth environments. In some instances, low photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) is also a stress factor. Ethylene helps regulate the shade-avoidance mechanism and synthesis rates can be altered by light. We thus hypothesized that ethylene sensitivity in whole plants may be altered in low light. Radish (Raphanus sativus) and pea (Pisum sativum) plants were selected as models due to their rapid growth, use in previous studies and difference in growth habit. We first characterized radish and pea sensitivity to ethylene. Radish vegetation was less sensitive to ethylene than pea vegetation. Pea reproductive yield was highly sensitive. Plants grown under low light levels are typically etiolated and less robust than plants grown under higher light. In a second series of studies we examined the interaction of ethylene (50 ppb pea, 200 ppb radish) with PPFs from 50 to 400 μmol m−2 s−1. There was no statistically significant interaction between ethylene sensitivity and PPF, indicating that high PPF does not mitigate the detrimental effects of chronic low-level ethylene exposure. This also suggests there is no crosstalk between the shade avoidance pathway and the primary ethylene signaling pathway.

Ecophysiological importance of cloud immersion in a relic spruce–fir forest at elevational limits, southern Appalachian Mountains, USA

Climate warming predicts changes to the frequency and height of cloud-immersion events in mountain communities. Threatened southern Appalachian spruce-fir forests have been suggested to persist because of frequent periods of cloud immersion. These relic forests exist on only seven mountaintop areas, grow only above ca. 1,500 m elevation (maximum 2,037 m), and harbor the endemic Abies fraseri. To predict future distribution, we examined the ecophysiological effects of cloud immersion on saplings of A. fraseri and Picea rubens at their upper and lower elevational limits. Leaf photosynthesis, conductance, transpiration, xylem water potentials, and general abiotic variables were measured simultaneously on individuals at the top (1,960 m) and bottom (1,510 m) of their elevation limits on numerous clear and cloud-immersed days throughout the growing season. The high elevation sites had 1.5 as many cloud-immersed days (75 % of days) as the low elevation sites (56 % of days). Cloud immersion resulted in higher photosynthesis, leaf conductance, and xylem water potentials, particularly during afternoon measurements. Leaf conductance remained higher throughout the day with corresponding increases in photosynthesis and transpiration, despite low photon flux density levels, leading to an increase in water potentials from morning to afternoon. The endemic A. fraseri had a greater response in carbon gain and water balance in response to cloud immersion. Climate models predict warmer temperatures with a decrease in the frequency of cloud immersion for this region, leading to an environment on these peaks similar to elevations where spruce-fir communities currently do not exist. Because spruce-fir communities may rely on cloud immersion for improved carbon gain and water conservation, an upslope shift is likely if cloud ceilings rise. Their ultimate survival will likely depend on the magnitude of changes in cloud regimes.

DIFFUSE PeV NEUTRINOS FROM GAMMA-RAY BURSTS

The IceCube collaboration recently reported the potential detection of two cascade neutrino events in the energy range 1-10 PeV. We study the possibility that these PeV neutrinos are produced by gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), paying special attention to the contribution by untriggered GRBs that elude detection due to their low photon flux. Based on the luminosity function, rate distribution with redshift and spectral properties of GRBs, we generate, using Monte-Carlo simulation, a GRB sample that reproduce the observed fluence distribution of Fermi/GBM GRBs and an accompanying sample of untriggered GRBs simultaneously. The neutrino flux of every individual GRBs is calculated in the standard internal shock scenario, so that the accumulative flux of the whole samples can be obtained. We find that the neutrino flux in PeV energies produced by untriggered GRBs is about 2 times higher than that produced by the triggered ones. Considering the existing IceCube limit on the neutrino flux of triggered GRBs, we find that the total flux of triggered and untriggered GRBs can reach at most a level of ~10^-9 GeV cm^-2 s^-1 sr^-1, which is insufficient to account for the reported two PeV neutrinos. Possible contributions to diffuse neutrinos by low-luminosity GRBs and the earliest population of GRBs are also discussed.

Dominance of a 675 nm chlorophyll(ide) form upon selective 632.8 or 654 nm laser illumination after partial protochlorophyllide phototransformation

The phototransformation pathways of protochlorophyllide forms were studied in 8-14-day-old leaves of dark-germinated wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using white, 632.8 nm He-Ne laser and 654 nm laser diode light. The photon flux density (PFD) values (0.75-360 μmol photons m(-2) s(-1)), the illumination periods (20 ms-10 s) and the temperature of the leaves (between -60 °C and room temperature) were varied. The 77 K fluorescence spectra of partially phototransformed leaves showed gradual accumulation or even the dominance of the 675 nm emitting chlorophyllide or chlorophyll form at room temperature with 632.8 nm of PFD less than 200 μmol photons m(-2) s(-1) or with 654 nm of low PFD (7.5 μmol photons m(-2) s(-1)) up to 1 s. Longer wavelength (685 or 690 nm) emitting chlorophyllide forms appeared at illuminations under -25 °C with both laser lights or at room temperature when the PFD values were higher or the illumination period was longer than above. We concluded that the formation of the 675 nm emitting chlorophyllide form does not indicate the direct photoactivity of the 633 nm emitting protochlorophyllide form; it can derive from 644 and 657 nm forms via instantaneous disaggregation of the newly-produced chlorophyllide complexes. The disaggregation is strongly influenced by the molecular environment and the localization of the complex.

Photosynthetic efficiency and oxygen evolution of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii under continuous and flashing light

As a result of mixing and light attenuation in a photobioreactor (PBR), microalgae experience light/dark (L/D) cycles that can enhance PBR efficiency. One parameter which characterizes L/D cycles is the duty cycle; it determines the time fraction algae spend in the light. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of different duty cycles on oxygen yield on absorbed light energy and photosynthetic oxygen evolution. Net oxygen evolution of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was measured for four duty cycles (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5) in a biological oxygen monitor (BOM). Oversaturating light flashes were applied in a square-wave fashion with four flash frequencies (5, 10, 50, and 100 Hz). Algae were precultivated in a turbidostat and acclimated to a low photon flux density (PFD). A photosynthesis-irradiance (PI) curve was measured under continuous illumination and used to calculate the net oxygen yield, which was maximal between a PFD of 100 and 200 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹. Net oxygen yield under flashing light was duty cycle-dependent: the highest yield was observed at a duty cycle of 0.1 (i.e., time-averaged PFD of 115 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹). At lower duty cycles, maintenance respiration reduced net oxygen yield. At higher duty cycles, photon absorption rate exceeded the maximal photon utilization rate, and, as a result, surplus light energy was dissipated which led to a reduction in net oxygen yield. This behavior was identical with the observation under continuous light. Based on these data, the optimal balance between oxygen yield and production rate can be determined to maximize PBR productivity.

Photocatalytic-reactor efficiencies and simplified expressions to assess their relevance in kinetic experiments

The purpose of this paper is to provide experimentalists with simple guidelines to properly measure kinetic data from well-mixed photoreactors. Whereas in such reactors concentrations are independent of location, the light distribution will still be inhomogeneous. We use a 1D description of the reactor, and consider both low and high light intensities, leading to a linear and square root dependence of reaction rate on the local volumetric rate of photon absorption, respectively. The two-flux approximation is used to describe the local volumetric rate of photon absorption; even for optically thin reactors (i.e., low catalyst loadings), using Lambert–Beer – neglecting scattering by the catalyst particles – would lead to erroneous results. Analytical expressions are derived for the minimum optical thickness that is required to ensure that upon irradiating the front wall of the reactor no photons escape the reactor at the back. Limiting values are τ≈3.5 for low photon fluxes and τ≈6.5 for high photon fluxes. For a reliable determination of the reaction rate, a maximum optical thickness, in the range 0.1–0.55, is calculated. At a smaller optical thickness, the small gradients in the photon absorption rate do not affect the volume-averaged reaction rate by more than 5%, that is, that the reactor then operates in an optically differential mode.

Work function measurements on nano-crystalline zinc oxide surfaces

The work function of nano-crystalline zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films was examined using photoemission spectroscopy (PES). Colloidally dispersed ZnO nano-particles were electrospray-deposited in vacuum to form nano-crystalline thin films. The samples showed an immediate work function reduction by 0.35 eV during ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS) measurements. This artifact was detected and quantified through low intensity x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (LIXPS) measurements, which use a very low photon flux. This prevented significant photochemical changes on the measured surface, i.e. the true work function unaffected by the UPS artifact can be measured. Annealing of an identical sample removed all ambient contamination from the ZnO surface with the effect to prevent the work function lowering artifact. This allowed the conclusion that ambient contamination is essential for the artifact to occur, similar to what was observed earlier on indium tin oxide and TiO2 surfaces. In an additional experiment, exposure of the annealed sample to the ambient resulted in a sample that again showed the artifact further demonstrating the necessity of water to be present. This experiment also demonstrated that the solubility enhancing surfactant shell of the nano-crystals does not play a significant role in the artifact, since it was removed during the annealing process.

Optimization of mild solar TiO2 photocatalysis as a tertiary treatment for municipal wastewater treatment plant effluents

The appropriate catalyst concentration for industrial wastewater treatment is several hundred milligrams per liter in solar photoreactors. Nonetheless, when the purpose of eliminating emerging contaminants in municipal wastewater treatment plant effluents is for reuse of the water, and they are present at extremely low concentrations, a tertiary treatment with a much lower photocatalyst concentration might be possible. TiO2 concentrations of only tens of mgL−1 were selected to evaluate the influence of catalyst load, initial hydrogen peroxide dose and radiation intensity on the degradation rate of five emerging contaminants (100μgL−1 of ofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, flumequine, carbamazepine, and 2-hydroxy-biphenyl) spiked in a real municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent. Response surface methodology based on a spherical central composite design was used to optimize the parameters to find the maximal degradation rate. The experiments were carried out using an Evonik P-25 titanium dioxide suspension in a Suntest solar simulator. It has been demonstrated that the use of hydrogen peroxide is highly recommendable for working with TiO2 at low concentrations and high photon flux must be avoided. It has also been demonstrated that too low (less than 40mgL−1) TiO2 concentration is not recommendable.

Photosynthesis and sugar concentration are impaired by the defective active silicon uptake in rice plants infected with Bipolaris oryzae

The effect of soluble silicon (Si) on photosynthetic parameters and soluble sugar concentrations was determined in leaves of rice cv. Oochikara and mutant plants of Oochikara defective in active Si uptake [low silicon 1 (lsi1)]. Plants were grown in hydroponic culture amended with 0 (−Si) or 2 mm Si (+Si), under either low or high photon flux density (PFD) and with or without inoculation with Bipolaris oryzae, the causal agent of brown spot of rice. Leaf Si concentration increased by 141 and 435% in +Si cv. Oochikara and by 119 and 251% in +Si lsi1 mutant plants under high and low PFD, respectively, compared with −Si plants. Plant biomass accumulation was improved by Si regardless of PFD, especially plants for cv. Oochikara. Brown spot severity was highest in −Si plants for cv. Oochikara and lsi1 mutant plants under low PFD. In the presence of Si, disease severity in plants grown under both low and high PFD was reduced, except for lsi1 mutant plants under high PFD. Plant inoculation reduced the photosynthetic parameters measured regardless of plant material or Si supply. A decrease of net carbon assimilation rate (A) of inoculated plants under low PFD compared with non‐inoculated plants was associated with damage in the photosynthetic apparatus, except for +Si cv. Oochikara in which stomatal restriction [low water vapour conductance (gs)] contributed to A reduction. Under high PFD, damage to the photosynthetic apparatus of inoculated plants was the main reason for the reduction in A for +Si and −Si lsi1 mutant plants. In addition, for −Si cv. Oochikara, a reduction in gs contributed to reduced A. However, for +Si cv. Oochikara, gs was the limiting factor for A. Inoculated plants of +Si cv. Oochikara had higher A values than +Si lsi1 mutant plants, regardless of environmental conditions. Soluble sugars were not detected in leaf tissues of plants under low PFD. For high PFD, Si improved the hexose concentration in non‐inoculated plants at 144 h after inoculation (hai) for lsi1 mutant plants and from 96 hai onwards for cv. Oochikara compared with −Si plants. However, plant inoculation reduced hexose concentration compared with non‐inoculated plants, mainly in +Si plants, regardless of plant material. Sucrose concentration increased in leaves of cv. Oochikara in the presence of Si whether inoculated or not. For +Si lsi1 mutant plants, sucrose concentration increased only at 48 hai compared with −Si plants, whether inoculated or not. The results of this study show that a minimum Si concentration is needed in leaf tissues of rice plants to avoid the negative impact of B. oryzae infection on photosynthesis and sugar concentration. High leaf Si concentration resulted in an increased soluble sugar concentration and together, but in independent ways, soluble sugar and Si reduced brown spot severity of rice.

Do fern gametophytes have the capacity for irradiance acclimation?

Ferns present two alternant generations: sporophyte and gametophyte. In the present work we address the question of whether fern gametophytes have the potential to acclimate to different irradiances as vascular plants do. We studied the gametophytes of three different fern species belonging to the Aspleniaceae family with different ecological requirements (Asplenium trichomanes, Asplenium scoloprendrium and Ceterach officinarum). Fern spores were germinated and the gametophytes cultivated under photon flux density (PFD) of 10, 50 or 100 μmol m-2 s-1. From the early stages of spore germination (the formation of the 5-celled germinal filament), photosynthetic apparatus acclimates showing the typical patterns of photochemical responses to high or low PFD. In agreement with the photochemical pattern of acclimation, higher contents of xanthophyll cycle pigments and α-tocopherol was observed in plants grown under high PFD. The α/β-carotene ratio, used as indicator of the acclimation of the photosynthetic apparatus, also sustained the initial hypothesis except for A. trichomanes. We conclude that fern gametophytes display a complete array of photosynthetic and photoprotective traits that allow an effective acclimation to PFD.

Do fern gametophytes have the capacity for irradiance acclimation?

Ferns present two alternant generations: sporophyte and gametophyte. In the present work we address the question of whether fern gametophytes have the potential to acclimate to different irradiances as vascular plants do. We studied the gametophytes of three different fern species belonging to the Aspleniaceae family with different ecological requirements (Asplenium trichomanes, Asplenium scoloprendrium and Ceterach officinarum). Fern spores were germinated and the gametophytes cultivated under photon flux density (PFD) of 10, 50 or 100 μmol m-2 s-1. From the early stages of spore germination (the formation of the 5-celled germinal filament), photosynthetic apparatus acclimates showing the typical patterns of photochemical responses to high or low PFD. In agreement with the photochemical pattern of acclimation, higher contents of xanthophyll cycle pigments and α-tocopherol was observed in plants grown under high PFD. The α/β-carotene ratio, used as indicator of the acclimation of the photosynthetic apparatus, also sustained the initial hypothesis except for A. trichomanes. We conclude that fern gametophytes display a complete array of photosynthetic and photoprotective traits that allow an effective acclimation to PFD.

Rapid Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue under High Photon Flux UV Irradiation: Characteristics and Comparison with Routine Low Photon Flux

This study examined the photocatalytic degradation efficiency under high UV photon flux (intensity normalized by photon energy) irradiation; the incident UV photon flux was einstein made by a super high-intensity UV apparatus. A comparative study between high photon flux photocatalytic process and routine low photon flux photocatalytic process for methylene blue degradation has been made in aqueous solution. The experimental results showed that under the best conditions of high UV photocatalytic reaction 99% decolorization and 95% TOC removal of 20 mg L−1methylene blue could be achieved in 30 s and 120 s of UV irradiation time, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, photocatalytic decolorization and photocatalytic degradation of dyes in such a short time has not been reported. Aiming at the low photonic efficiency in high photon flux photocatalytic process, we found that reducing the density of excited electron-hole appropriately could improve initial apparent photonic efficiency effectively. The TOC experiments under high UV photon flux showed a faster mineralization rate and a different mineralization process compared to that under low UV photon flux.

Relationship between light intensity and morphology of the moss Physcomitrella patens in a draft tube photo bioreactor

The moss Physcomitrella patens is a promising expression system for the production of recombinant human biopharmaceuticals. Highly standardized cultivation conditions are required to maintain the desired chloronemal level of cell differentiation during cultivation. Although the life cycle of P. patens is well known and described in literature only little is known about morphology development in closed photo bioreactors (PBR). In the current work we describe the relationship between light intensity and development of moss-morphology in a stirred draft tube PBR during cultivation: pellet formation occurred for high initial photon flux densities (PFD). The application of a low initial PFD followed by subsequent increase could prevent the moss culture from forming dense pellets and the filamentous morphology could be preserved. A high bio dry mass (BDM) of 3–4.5 g L −1 could be achieved as well as high specific chlorophyll content of the filaments. Pellet formation is discussed on basis of particle size distributions and data obtained from image analysis. Adjusting the level of illumination is a non-invasive method to maintain the filamentous morphology of P. patens and thus homogeneity of the medium because cells do not need to be disrupted mechanically.

Analysis of MESSENGER Gamma-Ray Spectrometer data from the Mercury flybys

During its three flybys of Mercury, the MESSENGER spacecraft made the first detection of gamma-ray emission from the planet's surface. With a closest approach distance of ∼200 km, the flybys provided an opportunity to measure elemental abundances of Mercury's near-equatorial regions, which will not be visited at low altitude during MESSENGER's orbital mission phase. Despite being limited by low planetary photon flux, sufficient counts were accumulated during the first two flybys to estimate bounds on abundances for some elements having relatively strong gamma-ray spectral peaks, including Si, Fe, Ti, K, and Th. Only for Si is the standard deviation σ sufficiently small to conclude that this element was detected with 99% confidence. Iron and potassium are detected at the 2− σ (95% confidence) level, whereas only upper bounds on Ti and Th can be determined. Relative to a Si abundance assumed to be 18 weight percent (wt%), 2− σ upper bounds have been estimated as 9.7 wt% for Fe, 7.0 wt% for Ti, 0.087 wt% for K, and 2.2 ppm for Th. The relatively low upper bound on K rules out some previously suggested models for surface composition for the regions sampled. Upper bounds on Fe/Si and Ti/Si ratios are generally consistent with Ti and Fe abundances estimated from the analysis of measurements by the MESSENGER Neutron Spectrometer during the flybys but are also permissive of much lower concentrations.

Growth and photosynthetic characteristics of blueberry ( Vaccinium corymbosum cv. Bluecrop) under various shade levels

Blueberry can readily be shaded as a bush type plant, maybe affecting its growth and photosynthesis. Growth and photosynthetic characteristics of ‘Bluecrop’ blueberry grown under various shade levels were investigated to understand acclimation under shade conditions and to determine the optimal light conditions for agricultural purpose. Shade decreased the number of shoots per shrub, but increased shoot length. However, shade did not affect the number of leaves on the main axis. With increasing shade level, leaf length, width and area increased, but leaf thickness decreased. However, there was no obvious tendency in leaf length/width ratio with increasing shade level. Shade leaves had less dense stomata than sun leaves, but stoma was bigger in shade leaves than in sun leaves. With increasing shade level, non-photochemical quenching in blueberry leaves increased and the values were higher at low photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFDs) in shade leaves than in sun leaves, resulting in the decreases in quantum yield, electron transport rate and net CO 2 assimilation rate ( A n). The maximum A n at 31, 60, 73 and 83% shade levels was 11.8, 11.0, 8.4 and 7.5 μmol m −2 s −1, respectively. Following the slight decrease up to 100 μmol m −2 s −1 PPFD, stomatal conductance ( g s) linearly increased up to 600 μmol m −2 s −1 PPFD and became saturated at all shade levels. The leaves of the shrubs grown under the 83% shade level had a significantly lower g s as compared to the leaves of the shrubs grown under the 31, 60 and 73% shade levels. Transpiration rate ( E) linearly increased up to 600 μmol m −2 s −1 PPFD and was saturated at the 73 and 83% shade levels. However, E increased linearly at both 31 and 60% shade levels with increasing PPFD. The reproductive growth characteristics such as number of flowers, fruit set rate per flower bud and fruit yield also significantly decreased with increasing shade level. For agricultural purpose, therefore, shade level above approximately 60% of full sunlight must be avoided for optimal photosynthesis and growth of the ‘Bluecrop’ blueberry.

Differential responses of growth and photosynthesis in the marine diatom Chaetoceros muelleri to CO2 and light availability

Ihnken S., Roberts S. and Beardall J. 2011. Differential responses of growth and photosynthesis in the marine diatom Chaetoceros muelleri to CO2 and light availability. Phycologia 50: 182–193. DOI: 10.2216/10-11.1This study investigated the impact of photon flux and elevated CO2 concentrations on growth and photosynthetic electron transport on the marine diatom Chaetoceros muelleri and looked for evidence for the presence of a CO2-concentrating mechanism (CCM). pH drift experiments clearly showed that C. muelleri has the capacity to use bicarbonate to acquire inorganic carbon through one or multiple CCMs. The final pH achieved in unbuffered cultures was not changed by light intensity, even under very low photon flux, implying a low energy demand of bicarbonate use via a CCM. In short-term pH drift experiments, only treatment with the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor ethoxyzolamide (EZ) slowed down the rise in pH considerably. EZ was also the only inhibitor that altered the final pH attained, although marginally. In growth experiments, CO2 availability was manipulated by changing the pH in closed flasks at a fixed dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentration. Low-light-treated samples showed lower growth rates in elevated CO2 conditions. No CO2 effect was recorded under high light exposure. The maximal photosynthetic capacity, however, increased with CO2 concentration in saturating, but not in subsaturating, light intensities. Growth and photosynthetic capacity therefore responded in opposite ways to increasing CO2 availability. The capacity to photoacclimate to high and low photon flux appeared not to be affected by CO2 treatments. However, photoacclimation was restricted to growth photon fluxes between 30 and 300 µmol photons m−2 s−1. The light saturation points for photosynthetic electron transport and for growth coincided at 100 µmol photons m−2 s−1. Below 100 µmol photons m−2 s−1 the light saturation point for photosynthesis was higher than the growth photon flux (i.e. photosynthesis was not light saturated under growth conditions), whereas at higher growth photon flux, photosynthesis was saturated below growth light levels.

Cyclic electron flow around PSI functions in the photoinhibited rice leaves

We investigated the regulation mechanism of cyclic electron flow around photosystem I (CEF-PSI) in the rice leaves which suffered from photosystem II (PSII) photoinhibition. High-light (HL) treatment [2000 µmol photon m–2 s–1 at 0% carbon dioxide (CO2), 2% oxygen (O2) and 25°C] of rice leaves decreased both the maximum quantum efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) and the light-dependent O2-evolution rate [V(O2)]. High-light treatment did not affect the relative electron flux in PSI [Φ(PSI) × PFD]. In non-treated leaves, increasing in the photon flux density (PFD) enhanced V(O2), Φ(PSI) × PFD and the ratio of oxidized P700 to total P700 [(P700+)/(P700)total]. Φ(PSI) × PFD continued to increase even after the saturation of V(O2) against PFD. These results suggested that the electrons not used for the major electron sink, photosynthetic carbon reduction-cycle, did turnover in PSI, that is, CEF-PSI functioned at a higher PFD. High-light treatments did not affect the activity of CEF-PSI and increased (P700+)/(P700)total in the lower PFDs, compared to non-treated leaves. The activity of CEF-PSI depends on the amount of oxidized PQ. Photoinhibition of PSII suppressed electron influx from PSII to photosynthetic linear electron transport. The enhanced (P700+)/(P700)total suggested the increase in the ratio of oxidized plastoquinone (PQ) to total PQ, which supported the activity of CEF-PSI in the photoinhibited leaves.

Excitation of Biomolecules by Coherent vs. Incoherent Light: Model Rhodopsin Photoisomerization

Light-induced processes in biological molecules, which occur naturally in continuous incoherent light, are often studied using pulsed coherent light sources. With a focus on timescales, the relationship between excitation due to these two types of light sources is examined through a uniform minimal model of the photoisomerization of retinal in rhodopsin, induced by either coherent laser light or low level incoherent light (e.g. moonlight). Realistic timescales for both processes are obtained and a kinetic scheme involving rates for both coherent and incoherent light excitation is introduced, placing all timescales into a uniform framework. The rate limiting step in the natural light-absorption process is shown to be the low incoherent photon flux.

High-energy isolated attosecond pulses generated by above-saturation few-cycle fields

The applications of isolated attosecond pulses reported to date, which have demonstrated the great potential of attosecond technology in the investigation of ultrafast electronic processes, have been limited by the low photon flux of the available attosecond sources. We report on the generation of isolated sub-160-as pulses (at a photon energy of ∼30 eV) with a pulse energy, on target, of a few nanojoules. The efficient generation of isolated attosecond pulses in noble gases is produced by 5-fs driving pulses with controlled electric field and peak intensity beyond the gas saturation intensity. The availability of attosecond sources with high peak intensities has potential in opening new avenues for attosecond-pump/attosecond-probe studies of electronic processes in atomic and molecular physics, with interesting prospects in the field of coherent control of electronic motion in complex systems in the attosecond temporal regime. Researchers report the generation of isolated sub-160-attosecond pulses that have photon energies of 30 eV, resulting in an on-target pulse energy of a few nanojoules. The availability of attosecond sources with high peak intensities may open new avenues for attosecond pump/probe studies of electronic processes in atomic and molecular physics.