Quantum interference to charge recombination reactions by strong magnetic fields

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K13547
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Biological physics/Chemical physics/Soft matter physics
• Research Institution: Saitama University
• Principal Investigator: MAEDA Kiminori 埼玉大学, 理工学研究科, 准教授 (70229300)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: ラジカル対 / 磁場効果 / 電子スピン

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In order to clarify the quantum mechanical effect in radical pair mechanism, which is considered to be the cause of magnetic compass of migratory birds, we built a new setup for measurement of magnetic field effects (MFEs) with high sensitivity and stability that allows the precise analysis of the magnetic field effect on reaction yield (MARY) spectrum in time resolved manner. In the flavin system, we succeeded in measuring the magnetic field effect with very high stability, and discovered the time evolution of the MARY spectral shape. We calculated these phenomena based on quantum mechanics and could explain the time evolution of the spectra by an effect of the spin dephasing. The spin dephasing is one of the most important phenomena in the discussion of the magnetoreception of the very small magnetic field. This result should have an impact on the discussion of the relationship of the spin dynamic and the molecular magnetoreceptions.

Free Research Field

物理化学