Ultrafast infrared spectroscopy in photosynthesis

• Comprehensive review of ultrafast infrared studies on photosynthetic complexes
• Detailed technical description of femtosecond infrared experiments on proteins
• Highlighting studies on proteins LHC2, CP43, CP47, PS1, PS2, BRC and BRC–LH1

In recent years visible pump/mid-infrared (IR) probe spectroscopy has established itself as a key technology to unravel structure–function relationships underlying the photo-dynamics of complex molecular systems. In this contribution we review the most important applications of mid-infrared absorption difference spectroscopy with sub-picosecond time-resolution to photosynthetic complexes. Considering several examples, such as energy transfer in photosynthetic antennas and electron transfer in reaction centers and even more intact structures, we show that the acquisition of ultrafast time resolved mid-IR spectra has led to new insights into the photo-dynamics of the considered systems and allows establishing a direct link between dynamics and structure, further strengthened by the possibility of investigating the protein response signal to the energy or electron transfer processes. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Vibrational spectroscopies and bioenergetic systems.