Optomechanical control of molecular motors

Andrews, D.L., Dávila Romero, L.C., Leeder, J.M. and Coles, M.M. (2010) Optomechanical control of molecular motors. In: Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering. UNSPECIFIED. ISBN 9780819482587

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Abstract

The majority of mechanisms that can be deployed for optical micromanipulation are not especially amenable for extension into the nanoscale. At the molecular level, the rich variety of schemes that have been proposed to achieve mechanical effect using light commonly exploit specific chemical structures; familiar examples are compounds that can fold by cis-trans isomerization, or the mechanically interlocked architectures of rotaxanes. However, such systems are synthetically highly challenging, and few of them can realistically form the basis for a true molecular motor. Developing the basis for a very different strategy based on programmed electronic excitation, this paper explores the possibility of producing controlled mechanical motion through optically induced modifications of intermolecular force fields, not involving the limitations associated with using photochemical change, nor the high intensities required to produce and manipulate optical binding forces between molecules. Calculations reveal that significant, rapidly responsive effects can be achieved in relatively simple systems. By the use of suitable laser pulse sequences, the possibilities include the generation of continuous rotary motion, the ultimate aim of molecular motor design.

Item Type: Book Section
Additional Information: Copyright 2010 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic reproduction and distribution, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper are prohibited.
Uncontrolled Keywords: chemical compounds,chemicals,lasers,molecules,nanotechnology,optical binding,optical micromanipulation,optomechanical design
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Science > School of Chemistry
UEA Research Groups: Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Physical and Analytical Chemistry (former - to 2017)
Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Chemistry of Light and Energy
Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Centre for Photonics and Quantum Science
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Depositing User: Pure Connector
Date Deposited: 12 May 2014 15:16
Last Modified: 09 Feb 2023 13:30
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/48232
DOI: 10.1117/12.860641

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