Abstract

Preparation and probing of coherent superposition of multiple quantum states leading to the generation of quantum coherences in condensed phase systems has been the topic of intense research for over a decade and is one of the most interesting and least understood of the quantum phenomena. Evolution of ultrashort broadband excitation sources has over the years provided us with new tools for revisiting problems in every field pertaining to light matter interaction. One such problem is the formation of electronic coherence through the reversible non-radiative electronic coupling and superposition of electronic states. Understanding the role of electronic coherence in condensed phase systems is central to elucidating the mechanism of energy transfer in photosynthetic pigment protein complexes [1] and several tubular nanostructures [2]. The recent observation of long-lived electronic coherence in chemical and biological system at room temperatures [3] forces one to reconsider the existing theories on energy transfer and devise an efficient and smart way in designing of synthetic light harvesting systems.

© 2013 IEEE