Thomas A. Moore
Professor: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Ph.D., Chemistry, Texas Tech University
From the standpoint of spectroscopy one is interested in the factors controlling the absorption of light by a photoreceptor, the nature of the excited states produced, and the initial photophysical processes. Biochemical studies include the characterization of protein and pigment-protein complexes which serve to collect light. In many cases knowledge of the supramolecular organization of light gathering systems is crucial to a reasonable understanding of the mechanisms involved. Biological aspects of our research include attempts to correlate the occurrence of various pigments of know function with environmental parameters such as ambient light levels. As an example, it is likely that certain plants of the Sonoran desert region would have unusually high levels of carotenoid pigments serving in photoprotective roles.
Of both immediate and long-range interest is the development of model solar energy collection and conservation schemes based on biological systems. Indeed, there is already evidence that certain aspects of the photosynthetic light-harvesting antenna system of green plants can be employed in photovoltaic devices. Check out this brief article in Scientific American.
In addition to standard experimental techniques we are using two specialized approaches. Laser flash spectroscopy is used to study the transient excited states of molecules. Additionally, photoacoustic spectroscopy is employed to characterize the absorption and relaxation processes of photobiologically important molecule under near in vivo conditions. In this way local structural and environmental features characteristic of supra-molecular structures can be observed.
Tel: 1-(480) 965-4000
Fax: 1-(480) 965-2747
Email: Tom.Moore@asu.edu
Office Room Number: Physical Sciences PS C-214
Lab Room Number: Physical Sciences PS C-254
updated Tuesday, April 6, 1999