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This electronic excitation transfer, whose practical description was first given by Förster,* arises of a transition depends the This electronic excitationdipole transfer, interaction, whose practicalwhich description was firston given by magnitude Förster,* arisesof the donor and acceptor from a dipole-dipole interaction between the electronic states of the donor and the acceptor, and from transition a dipole-dipole interaction between the electronic states of the donor and the acceptor, matrix elements, and the alignment and separation of and the dipoles. The sharp 1/r6 does notofinvolve emission and occurs re-absorption of a light field. Transfer occurs when the does not involve the emission and re-absorption a light the field. Transfer when the !"#$% dependence on distance is often used inof spectroscopic characterization of the donor with the oscillations induced electronic on proximity the donor areofresonant oscillations of an optically induced electronic coherence an onoptically the donor are resonant withcoherence the gap of thedepends acceptor. strength of the interaction depends on the magnitude and energy acceptor. electronic gap of the acceptor. The electronic strength ofenergy the interaction on The the magnitude of a transition dipole interaction, whichand depends on the magnitude of the donor and acceptor of a transition To dipole interaction, whichthere depends the magnitude the donor acceptor describe FRET, areonfour electronicof states that must be considered: The electronic 6 transition matrix elements, the alignment transition matrix elements, and the alignment and separation of the and dipoles. The sharp and 1/r6 separation of the dipoles. The sharp 1/r ground and excited states of the donor and acceptor. We consider the case in which we have !"#$%&#'(&$")*)+&',)&#-.'/#*)$0&#'1!(,/2' dependencecharacterization on distance is often in spectroscopic dependence on distance is often used in spectroscopic of theused proximity of donor characterization of the proximity of donor &%'()*+,(-.,/'0%/0/%()1-)230%1-%,44-')5-0/,%,6,7(0/-4)%1)%8/)%.06,406)%10/)'0(,%9:;%)1% and acceptor.and the acceptor is in the ground state. Absorption of light excited the donor electronic transition, and acceptor. 8/)%.06,406)%)44,70(,%9<;% Tothe describe FRET, four electronic states that must considered:by Therapid electronic by donor at there the are equilibrium energy gap is befollowed vibrational relaxation which To describe FRET, there are four electronic states that must be considered: The electronic and We excited statesthe of case the donor and we acceptor. ground&%=%*')'0%1,*4(-70%-/%',(.-/-%>()24-%>,(%6)%>(-.)%306')%1)%!0(*',(%40.,%-/',()5-0/,% and excited states of the donor andground acceptor. consider in which have We consider the case in which we have dissipates the reorganization energy the electronic donor λtransition, of picoseconds. This leaves D over the excited theofdonor andcourse the of acceptor excited1->060&1->060%'()%?6-%*')2%,6,7(0/-4-%1-%:%,1%<@% the donor electronic transition, and the acceptor is in the ground state. Absorption light is in the ground state. Absorption of light byoscillates donor atbythe equilibrium energy gap iswhich followed by rapid vibrational relaxation which the donor inequilibrium a coherence that &!donor -6%'()*+,(-.,/'0%)33-,/,%A8)/10%6,%0*4-66)5-0/-%1-%8/)%40,(,/5)%,6,7(0/-4)% by the at the energy gap isthefollowed rapid vibrational relaxation 12-2 dissipates the reorganization energy of theThis donor λD over the course of picoseconds. This leaves 0B4).,/',%-/107)%-/%:%=%(-*0/)/',%40/%8/%?)>%,6,7(0/-40%1-%<@% λD over the course of picoseconds. leaves dissipates the reorganization the donor at the energy gap energy in theofdonor excited the donor in a coherence that oscillates D the donor in a coherence that oscillates state q = d D ) .FThe ctronic energy gapωof acceptor ω time-scale . for gap in the donor excited ( q Aat=the0 )energy eg (the at the energy gap inDthe donor A eg excited state so ωegD this ( qD = d D ) . The time-scale for ωegD ( qD =isd Dtypically time-scale for acceptor staterelaxation ) . Thesubsequent vibrational and FRET nanoseconds, &!is typically -/%>()24)%6C,D4-,/5)%1,6%!"#$%*-%.-*8()%% is typically nanoseconds,MIT so Department this FRETpreparation nanoseconds, this FRETof Andrei Tokmakoff, of Chemistry, 3/25/08 donor fluorescence. In practice, step the is soefficiency typically much %%%%%40/+(0/')/10%6,%,.-**-0/-%1-%E80(,*4,/5)%% preparation step is typically much preparation step is typically much orescence emitted acceptor. fasterfrom thandonor the and transfer phase. faster %%%%%1-%:%,1%<% than the transfer phase. For For faster than the transfer phase. For 12.1. FÖRSTER coupled,resonance weresonance canenergy writetransfer our Hamiltonian for this energy energy require a resonance transfer we require a wetransfer require a we resonance condition,condition, so that tion theory resonance oscillation of the oscillation * A + A* D excited of the RESONANCE ENERGY TRANSFER condition, so that the the so resonance that the Förster resonance energy donor oscillation of the excited transfer (FRET) refers to the nonradiative tr donor excited donor excitation from a donor molecule to an acceptor molecule: *(12.2) Th. Förster, “Experimentelle und theoretische Untersuchung des zwischenmolecularen Uebergangs von theoretische Untersuchung des zwischenmolecularen Uebergangs von Th. Förster, “Experimentelle und * * Z. Naturforsch, 4a, 321 und (1949); “Zwischenmoleculare Energiewanderung und Electronenanregungsenergie,” Z. Naturforsch, 4a, Electronenanregungsenergie,” 321 (1949); “Zwischenmoleculare Energiewanderung * * Th. Förster, “Experimentelle und theoretische Untersuchung des zwischenmolecularen Uebergangs von Faraday Fluoreszenz,” Physik 2, 55 (1948);Discussions “Transfer Mechanisms of Electronic Excitation,” Discussions Fluoreszenz,” ofAnn. Electronic Excitation,” Faraday H A A D Ann. Physik 2, 55 (1948); “Transfer Mechanisms Soc. 27,Electronenanregungsenergie,” 7 (1959). Soc. 27, 7 (1959). Z. Naturforsch, 4a, 321 (1949); “Zwischenmoleculare Energiewanderung und D + A→ D+ A This electronic excitation transfer, whose practical description Fluoreszenz,” Ann. Physik 2, 55 (1948); “Transfer Mechanisms of Electronic Excitation,” Discussions Faraday was first g ˆ 3 coupled, ⋅ rˆ )can − μ Acould ⋅μ D our onor and acceptoracceptor are weakly write Hamiltonian for(12.2) this A ⋅ r ) μ Dwe which be and moresubsequent properly written(12.3) d * nD* a nA . The = molecules, , nergydonor to theand acceptor Vleads to vibrational relaxation acceptor 3 r * perturbation * and * hat can be solved theory donor form of a dipole-dipole interaction: H 0 between Dby A Hfrom A +donor Aacceptor D fluorescence. H A takes A* D the In D D the hat isinteraction spectrally shifted practice, the efficiency of the distance between donor and acceptor dipoles and is a unit vector that marks the r̂ = H H0 + V !"#$% ˆ ˆ 3 ⋅ μ ⋅ − μ ⋅μ r r ) ) A D A and D acceptor. r is obtained by comparing the fluorescence emitted from donor V =are , electronic states (12.3) Hamiltonian of The the system with the donor excited, is the Hamiltonian etween them. dipole operators here taken and to ronly on the 3H A act (12.2) *acceptor are weakly coupled, we can write our Hamiltonian for this he donor and * represents * the electronic excited. D and nuclear configuration for dependent of nuclear i.e. Condon Weaboth writevector the that marks the H 0r isA D H configuration, A + A* Ddonor H Athe A* D D D between where theAdistance and acceptorapproximation. dipoles and r̂ is unit * orm can be solved perturbation theory tor that molecules, which bycould be more properlyand written delectronic nD* a nA . states The for the dipole matrix elements that couple the ground excited direction between them. The dipole operators here are taken to only act on the electronic states :%,1%<%*0/0%)440>>-)2%1,G06.,/',%'().-',%H@%I-%>8J%)>>6-4)(,%'K@%1,66,%>,('8(G)5-0/-% miltonian of the system with the donor excited, and H is the Hamiltonian = H H + V A en donor and acceptor 0takes the form of a dipole-dipole interaction: acceptor as and be * independent of nuclear configuration, i.e. the Condon approximation. We write the (12.2) and nuclear configuration for both excited. D A representsˆ the electronic 3 A ⋅ r ) μ D ⋅ rˆ ) − *μ A ⋅μ D* μ AA (12.4) states for the * transitionHwhich dipole matrix elements that and excited electronic V = Dμ*could , μ A*A (12.3) * * A + * A couple * Athe ground A= Awritten 3 more d n a n . The or = molecules, be properly A H D A + A D H D * A 0 D r A D donor and acceptor asthe form of *a dipole-dipole donor and acceptor interaction: μ D μ DD* dipoles D + and D* μr̂ D*isD aDunit ance between donor takes and vector that marks the (12.5) D = acceptor he Hamiltonian of the system with the donor excited,* and H * A is the Hamiltonian μ = μ A + A μ A* A A (12.4) * ˆ )are A⋅μ D to only μ A ⋅ rˆ )( μhere − μ Ataken ( AA -/',()5-0/,%:&<%1,*4(-7)%40.,%-/',()5-0/,%1->060&1->060% them. The dipole operators act on the electronic states D ⋅ rseparate * 3 the dipole operator, we can the scalar and , and nuclear configuration (12.3) for both ptor excited. VD=A represents3 the electronic r ent of nuclear configuration, i.e. be the * Dwrite the μ Dmore =Condon D properly μ DDapproximation. D* written + D* μ Dd*We (12.5) * al contributions as which could ceptor molecules, The D nD* a n A . nce between donor andcouple acceptor dipoles and is a unitelectronic vector that marks the r̂excited matrix elements that the ground and states for the ˆ ween donor and the formwe of acan dipole-dipole interaction: μ Aacceptor = μ A takes (12.6) the For theu A dipole operator, separate scalar and orhem. as The dipole operators here are taken to only act on the electronic states ˆ μ D ⋅in 3 interaction μ A (12.3) ⋅μ D to be rˆ ) −eq. contributions ws theorientational transition dipole A ⋅ r ) as nt of nuclear configuration, i.e. the Condon approximation. We write the(12.3) V= , μ A = A μ AA* A* += ruˆA3* μμ A* A A (12.6) (12.4) A A A 0>,()'0(-%1-%1->060%-/1->,/1,/2%1)66)%40/L?8()5-0/,%/846,)(,% atrix elements that couple the ground and excited electronic states for the distance κbetween donor and acceptor dipoles and is a unit vector that marks the r̂ * * 9M0/10/%<>>(0N-.)20/;% μ = D μ D + D μ D This allows the transition dipole interaction in eq. (12.3) to be (12.5) * * * * * * D as ⎤ DD D ATokmakoff, (12.7) =μ Aμ B 3 ⎡⎣ D A A D DD + A D Andrei ⎦ taken MIT Department of Chemistry, 3/25/08 states 12-3 een them. The dipole operators here are to only act on the electronic r written as * * ipole operator, μ A =we can μ AA*separate A + Atheμ scalar A and (12.4) A* A Condon approximation. We write the endent of nuclear configuration, i.e. the κ : orientational factors are now in the term ributions as V =μ μ κ ⎡ D* * A A** D + A* D D* A ⎤ = κ(12.7) 3 ( uˆ A ⋅ rˆfor (12.8) )( uˆ D ⋅ rˆ ) − uˆ A ⋅ uˆ D . ⎣D + the ⎦ electronic ole matrix elements states μ D= DAthat μBDDr*3couple D ground μ D* D Dand excited (12.5) the = uˆ A μ A (12.6) We can now obtain the rates of energy transfer using Fermi’s Golden Rule expressed as a eptor All as Aof the orientational factors now in the term κ: pole operator, we can separate theare scalar and transition dipole interaction in eq. (12.3) to be in the interaction Hamiltonian: * * correlation function μ = μ A + A μ A (12.4) A butions as AA* A* A 2π 1 +∞ 2 0 function inthe the interaction Hamiltonian: unction interaction Hamiltonian: assumption that weinteraction have an equilibrium system, even though we are initially in the excited donor nction inin the interaction Hamiltonian: ation function in the Hamiltonian: correlation function inthere the interaction Hamiltonian: .kmakoff, ThisMIT is Department reasonable for the case that is a clear time scale separation between12-3 the ps of Chemistry, 3/25/08 +∞ 2 π 1 2 +∞ 2 π 1 2 state. w This for is scale separation between the ps 1that+∞there 2 = +∞at(clear wk k 2πis 2reasonable V t2V VI 0I()0(time (12.9) 0)and δ( (ωthe ω −case ω 2ppthermalization π VV= 1dt ) ) ) (12.9) dt V = δ ω +∞ ) ) ∑ kδ k2− I() V 2and 2∫π∫dt 2 1 ational= relaxation in the donor excited state the time-scale (or inverse ∑ k k I w p V V t (12.9) ω − ω ( ) ( ( 2 −∞ ∑k 2 k∑ p= k I VI ( t ) VI ( 0 ) Vk k = (12.9) δ ( ωwk −2ω∫−∞)−∞ 2pI∫ V dt= 2w (12.9) dt V t δ ω − ω ( ) ( )VI(or ( 0 )inverse ∑ −∞ k k k I 2 2 ∫ vibrational relaxation and thermalization in the donor excited state and the−∞time-scale !"#$% of the energy transfer process. ˆ we uˆ D ⋅ are rˆ ) −using uˆ A ⋅ uˆ Da. correlation function there is an = κ 3 uˆSince (12.8) A ⋅ r ) we his is not not a Fourier transform! isisrate) isnot a Fourier transform! Since are using a correlation function there is an a is Fourier transform! Since weSince are using a using correlation functionfunction there is there an is an thenot energy transfer process. that thisof a Note Fourier transform! a correlation * we are * that this is not a Fourier transform! Since we are using a correlation function there is an =transfer Dthough A and kin= Aexcited D expressed Now substituting therates initial state theare final state , wedonor find We can now obtain the of energy using Fermi’s Golden Rule as a that we have an equilibrium system, even though we are initially the excited donor that we have an equilibrium system, even we initially in the * are initially in the excited donor * at we have an have equilibrium system, even though we mption thatNow we an equilibrium system, even though we are initially in the excited donor = D A k = A D and the final state , we find in the excited donor substituting the initial state assumption that we have an equilibrium system, even though we are initially 2 ion functionfor infor the interaction Hamiltonian: is reasonable reasonable for the case that aclear clear time scale separation between the isreasonable case that there aclear time scale separation between the thethe case that there isisthere ais time scale separation between the pspspsthe ps κthere +∞ 1 the This is reasonable for case that is a clear time scale separation between * 2 * case there is a clear time scale separation between the ps = wETstate. 2 This dtis reasonable DκA μ Dfor μ A (+∞ t ) μ Dthat (12.10) ( t )the ( 0the ) μthe A (0) D A +∞ 6 ∫ 2 π 1 −∞ 1in 2 * * relaxation and thermalization in the donor excited state and time-scale (or inverse elaxation and thermalization the donor excited state and time-scale (or inverse r δdonor axation and= thermalization excited state (or wET p inV2kthe dt D Aμ μ AV t()tμ)time-scale A (or (12.9) (12.10) ( t dt )and (the ) )μ A time-scale ( 0excited ) Dinverse wk and V 0the ωk the −6and ωdonor ional= relaxation thermalization excited state and ( in ) ( D I( 0 ∫= I in 2 ∑ 2 D ∫ −∞ vibrational relaxation thermalization the donor stateinverse and the time-scale (or inverse −∞ r − iH D t energy process. D tprocess. energy ergy μ Dtransfer ttransfer μ D eprocess. . Here, we have neglected the rotational motion of the dipoles. re (transfer ) = eiHprocess. of the energy transfer iH D t of the−energy iH D t rate) transfer +8/5-0/,%1-% e μtransform! . * Since weprocess. have neglected the motion the dipoles. atwhere this is μnot Fourier are using a correlation function there of is an *Here, we * * rotational D ( ta) = D e * * = DD k== ADD, we and the final state we find wubstituting substituting the initial state=average *')'0%-/-5-)6,O%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%P%*')'0%L/)6,O% =D and the final state , ,we find the initial state *the *find A AA k k=state AAD the initial and final state t substituting generally, the orientational is = D A k Now substituting thestate initial state and the final * = A D , we find * 40((,6)5-0/,%1-%:%-/% = D A k = A D , we find and the final state Now substituting the initial state tion that we have an equilibrium system, even though we are initially in the excited donor Most generally, the orientational average is 48-%60%*')'0%-/-5-)6,% 2 2 22 κ = κ t κ 0 . (12.11) ) ) 2 +∞ κ κκ +∞ +∞ 1 1 1 * * * that there is2 a clear time * κ * * separation between the ps This iswreasonable fordt 2 0scale 1dtthe+∞6 6case =%!:R"%FS%+8/5-0/,% =% μ(D+∞0Dκ()0(μ0)t μ μ (12.10) 0)D)D wwET 2 ∫22∫∫dt DD AμADμμ(DtD*()t(μt) )Aμμ(AκtA()t(1μ)t D)μ (12.10) ( ( D A AA0A D* A (12.10) 0 = κ .*D (12.11) ( ) ) κ A A ET ET A 6 = wET dt D A μ t μ t μ μ (12.10) 0 −∞ ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) * −∞ −∞ D A D A r r 2r ∫−∞ = 6 wETifdonor dt are D A μthe (12.10) ( 0 ) μinverse ( 0 ) DtoA 1-%40((,6)5-0/,%>,(% ever, this factor easier to revaluate the2 dipoles static, or( ttime-scale if) μthey rapidly rotate D A (t ) μ D (or A nal relaxation and is thermalization in the state and 6 ∫excited −∞ r −D− iH t factor t t this iswe easier toneglected evaluate ifthe the dipoles motion are static, orthe ifdipoles. they rapidly rotate to − iH tiHD D μ e .Here, we have neglected rotational motion ofof dipoles. 6C,.-**-0/,%1-%:% =iHeenergy eDiHtiHtDDt μ μ .−iHHere, Here, we have neglected the rotational motion the dipoles. iH =tthe e . have the rotational of the )me )μe=However, 2 D te Dt D D D transfer process. = e μ e . Here, we have neglected the rotational motion of the dipoles. isotropically distributed. For the static case κ = 0 . 475 . For the case of fast loss of ( ) D D Dt μ D ( t ) = eiH DtFor μ Dthe e−iHstatic . case Here, we neglected thecase rotational where 103,O% % of of the dipoles. become isotropically distributed. κ 2 have = 0.475 . For the of fast motion loss * * lly, the orientational average is y, thethe orientational average is ally, orientational average is =is Now substituting the initial state 2 D A and the final state k = A D , we find generally, average κ 2the→orientational KMost t K 0 =κ =2 32. ntation: ( ) ( ) generally, the orientational average is 2 22 2 κ = κ t κ 0 . (12.11) κ = κ t κ 0 (12.11) 0κ()κ2)= orientation: κ → K ( t ) κ2K (= t)= (12.11) )(κκ) 0)t.= )) κ2. 30.) /,6%4)*0%1-%(0')5-0/-%.06'0%3,604-% . (12.11) 2 κ +∞ 1 * +8/5-0/,%1-%(12.11) * *t ) κ A0 )nuclear κ = κ . A or D , and the D and coordinates Since the dipole operators act only on = wET dt 6 D A μ D ( t ) μ A ( t ) μ D ( 0 ) μ* A ( 0 ) D A (12.10) 2 ∫ −∞ sthis is iseasier tototo evaluate if ifthe dipoles are static, if,ifthey rapidly rotate tototo coordinates hisfactor factor evaluate dipoles are oror they rapidly rotate factor is easier easier evaluate ifthe the are static, if they rotate Astatic, orareor Dstatic, and D and A nuclear the operators act only ver, thisSince factor is dipole easier to revaluate ifdipoles the on dipoles orthe if rapidly they rapidly rotate to 40((,6)5-0/,%1-%<%-/% this factor is easier to evaluate if the dipoles are static, or if they rapidly rotate to rthogonal, canHowever, separate terms in the donor 2 2 2and acceptor states. iH Dwe t 6,%400(1-/)',%1-%<%,%:%*0/0%*,>)()G-6-Q%A8-/1-O% − iH D t 48-%60%*')'0%-/-5-)6,% pically distributed. For the static case κ = 0 . 475 . For the case of fast loss of ropically distributed. For the static case κ = 0 . 475 . For the case of fast loss of 2 μtropically = e distributed. μ Ddistributed. ewe canFor . separate Here, we have the motion of the the static case κ donor = .acceptor For .the case fast lossdipoles. of ( t )orthogonal, Dare terms in neglected the and me isotropically For the static case κ0.475 = 0rotational .475 Forstates. the of case 2 of fast loss of 2 become isotropically distributed. For the static case κ = 0.475 . For the =%!<"%FS%+8/5-0/,%1-% case of fast loss of κ +∞ 1 2 22 * 2 * 2 2 2= enerally, wK K0 0 == dt μD (t ) μD ( 0) D A μ A (t ) μ A ( 0) A 23. κ κ κκ→ κ average == 2+∞ 32.3isD 40((,6)5-0/,%>,(% →Kthe Kt ()(torientational κ = κ = . 62 1 * * →t))ETK(K((t)()w0)2) ∫K−∞ 0 = κ = 2 3 . ation: →κ 2(K= ( ) r 2 2 D μKD ( t0) μ D=( 0κ) D=2 A (12.12) 6C)**0(G-.,/'0%1-%<% ET 2 ∫−∞ 6 K (t ) κ2 κdt2 →r= 3 . μ A ( t ) μ A ( 0 ) A (12.11) orientation: ( ) κ t κ 0 . ) ) * * κ (12.12) +∞only 1 act A AAor2ororDDD,* and the DDD and AAnuclear coordinates dipole operators act only onon , ,and and nuclear coordinates ehethe dipole operators * the and the and A nuclear coordinates ce the dipole operators act only on % C t C t =operators dt A or D , and the D and A nuclear coordinates Since the dipole act only on ) ) ( ( +∞ AA 2 ∫−∞ 1 6 * D*κD* r the or Drapidly , and rotate the D to and A nuclear coordinates Since act only er, this factor is easier =to evaluate if6 the dipoles are static,onorAif they CDoperators dt dipole * D* (t ) C AA (t ) 2 ∫−∞ , we can separate terms in the donor and acceptor states. nal, separate terms states. r and nal,we wecan can termsin inthe thedonor donor andacceptor acceptor states.states. thogonal, weseparate can separate terms in the donor and acceptor 2 terms in this equation represent the dipole correlation forthe the donor isotropically distributed. For the case κterms = 0function .in 475 case ofinitiating faststates. loss in ofthe are orthogonal, westatic can separate the. For donor and acceptor hat D represents the electronic and nuclear configuration d nD* , we can use Remembering that D* represents the electronic and nuclear configuration d * nD* , we can use harmonic oscillator or energy gap Hamiltonian to evaluate 12-4 the MIT Department of Chemistry,Hamiltonian 3/25/08 displaced harmonic oscillator tions. For the case ofthe Gaussian statistics we can write Hamiltonian or energy gap Hamiltonian to evaluate the functions. For⎞ the case of Gaussian we can write ⎛and nuclear * hat D representscorrelation the electronic configuration d * nDstatistics * , we can use 2 − i ⎜ ω * − 2 λ D ⎟ t − g D (t ) ⎠ CD* D* ( t ) = μ DD* e ⎝ DD (12.13)⎞ * ⎛ 2 − i ⎜ ω * − 2 λ D ⎟ t − g D (t ) ⎝ DD ⎠ harmonic oscillator Hamiltonian or energy gapC Hamiltonian the ( t ) = μ DD* toe evaluate D* D* * 2 −iω *t−gA t !"#$% (12.13) ctions. For the caseCof Gaussian statistics e AA we can. write (12.14) AA ( t ) = μ AA* 2 −iω * t − g t A AA C t = μ e . (12.14) ( ) ⎛ ⎞ * * AA AA 2 − i ⎜ ω * − 2 λ D ⎟ t − g D (t ) use of ⎠ CD* D* ( t ) = μ DD* e ⎝ DD (12.13) Here we made use of =ω * − 2λ D , (12.15) D* D DD 2 −iω * t − g (t ) A ω * =ω * − 2λ(12.14) (12.15) C AA ( t ) = μ AA* e AA . D, D D DD relative to the donor s the emission frequency as a frequency shift of 2 relative to the donor which expresses the emission frequency as a frequency shift of 2 use of uency. =frequency. ω * − 2λ D , (12.15) 6,%+8/5-0/-%1-%40((,6)5-0/,%*-%>0**0/0%,*>(-.,(,%40.,%!$%-/3,(*,%1,66,%+8/5-0/-%1-%+0(.)% absorption D* can D DD expressed in terms of the inverse Fourier ole correlation functions be 1-%G)/1)O% The dipole correlation functions can be expressed in terms of the inverse Fourier fluorescence or absorption relative to the donor es the emission frequencylineshape: as a frequency shift of 2 transforms +∞ of a fluorescence or absorption lineshape: 1 D − iωt CD* D* ( t ) = d ω e σ (12.16) fluor ( ω ) 1 +∞ D − iωt 2π ∫−∞ d ω e σ (12.16) * * (t ) pole correlation functions can be expressed in Cterms of the inverse Fourier fluor ( ω ) ∫−∞ D D π 2 1 +∞ A fluorescence or Cabsorption lineshape: (12.17) t = d ω e− iωt σabs ( ) ( ω) . AA ∫ 1 +∞ A − iωt 2π −∞ (12.17) C t d ω e σ ( ) ( ω) . AA abs ∫ +∞ 1 −∞ D − iωt 2 π CD* D* ( t )in terms d ωitse common σ fluor ( ω ) rate of energy transfer of practical form, we make (12.16) use of 2π ∫−∞ To express the rate of energy transfer in terms of its common practical form, we make use of rem, which states that if a Fourier transform pair is defined for two functions, the 1 +∞ A − iωt Parsival’s Theorem, which a Fourier transform pair is defined for two functions, the (12.17) C t d ω e σ ( ) ( ωstates ) . thatinifthe AA abs ∫ product of those functions2πis equal whether evaluated time or frequency −∞ integral over a product of those functions is equal whether evaluated in the time or frequency rate of energy transfer in terms of its common practical form, we make use of domain: ∞ ∞ orem, which states that if * a Fourier transform * pair is defined for two functions, the uency. * * ( ) fluor ( ) Dof Dfrequency. absorption transforms a fluorescence 2π −∞or absorption lineshape: ∫ D* D =ω DD* − 2λ D , (12.15) The dipole correlation functions be −expressed in terms of the inverse Fourier +∞ 1 can iωt D 1 which+∞ expresses CD* D* −(itthe d ω e σ ω relative to(12.16) the donor frequency as a frequency shift of 2 )ωt emission ( ) A ∫ fluor −∞ (12.17) C AAofta fluorescenced ω e σ2abs ω . π lineshape: transforms or absorption () ∫ −∞ frequency. 2πabsorption s the rate of energy transfer in ( ) !"#$% 1 1 +∞ − iωt −can TheCdipole in terms of the inverse Fourier . (12.17) t correlation dfunctions ω e σiωAt beDωexpressed +∞ C d ω e absσ( fluor) ( ω) AAD(* D)* ( t ) ∫ −∞ ∫−∞practical form, terms of its common we 2 π π 2 transforms of a fluorescence or absorption lineshape: make use of (12.16) 1 To express energy transfer in terms ofis(its common practical form, we make of 1 C +∞ Theorem, which states the thatrate if aofFourier transform pair for two functions, the use(12.17) − iωt d tdefined (12.16) ) C t d ω e ∫ σ Aω eω .σ ( ω) +∞ AA ( ) abs ( ) − iωt 2π $,0(,.)%1-%T)(*-3)6% 2π ∫−∞transform pair is defined for two functions, the Parsival’s Theorem, which states that if a Fourier 1 in ver a product9*')G-6-*4,% of those functions is equal whether evaluated the time or frequency 3-*')% ,A8-3)6,/5)% 1-% 18,% ()>>(,*,/')5-0/-% 1,6% C (t ) d ω e*,?/)6,% σ ( ω) . 1)6% >8/'0% 1-% (12.17) ∫ To express rate ofofenergy transfer inisterms its practical make use of 2π common integral over athe product those functions equal of whether evaluated in theform, time we or frequency ,/,(?,240;% To express the rate ofifenergy transfertransform in terms of pair its common practical make use the of Parsival’s Theorem, which states that is defined forform, two we functions, domain: fi (t) /a f!Fourier 1,L/-')%8/)%40>>-)%1-%!08(-,(%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%>,(%18,%+8/5-0/-%f i (! ) 1%,1%f2Q%6C-/',?()6,%1,6% Parsival’s ∞ ∞ Theorem, which states that if a Fourier transform pair is defined for two functions, the ∞ integral over a *product of those functions is ∞equal whether evaluated in the time or frequency >(01070%1,66,%18,%+8/5-0/-%=%8?8)6,%*-)%4K,%*-)%3)68')'0%/,6%10.-/-0%1,-%',.>-%4K,% *of those integral over a product whether evaluated in(12.18) the time or frequency * t f t dt = f f ω dfunctions ωf1 (. ) fis2* equal ( ) ( ) t f t dt = ω d ω . (12.18) 1( ) 2 ( ) 1 2 ( ) ( ) ( ) ∫ ∫ /,6%10.-/-0%1,66,%+(,A8,/5,@% 1 2 ∫ ∫ domain: domain:−∞ −∞ −∞ −∞ % ∞ ∞ * between the donor allows us totransfer express the energy transfer rate as overlap =f *∫J fω( integral . the (12.18) ( tintegral ) ff*an ((t ω ) dt ) fω* (.ω ) dωJDA between donor ws us to express energy rate as an overlap % Thisthe ∫ f t f t dt = d (12.18) DA ( ) ( ) ) ( ) 2 ∫−∞ 1 2 ∫−∞ 1 % fluorescence and acceptor absorption spectra: This allows us to express the energy transfer rate as an overlap integral J between the donor D* D* −∞ +∞ AA ∞ A abs ∞ 1 2 1 −∞ 2 −∞ ce and acceptor absorption spectra: 2 − iωt −∞ D fluor DA This allows us to express the energy transfer ratespectra: as an overlap integral JDA between the donor 2 fluorescence acceptor absorption κand 2 2 +∞ 1 A D 2 w d (12.19) = μ μ ω σ ω σ 2 ( ) * * κ ET abs fluor ( ω ) . fluorescence and acceptor absorption spectra: +∞ 6 2 2 DD A AA 1 2 +∞ 1 κ∫−∞D 2 A D r wET ( 2ω )6σμ DD (μω d ω σ abs ( ω) σ fluor ( ω)(12.19) . (12.19) wET d2ω= = μ DD* μ AA* σ AA ) .∫−∞ abs fluor r 2 6 −∞ r lineshape normalized 2 +∞ 1 κto the 2 Here σ is the A lineshape normalized to thed ω σ abs Here wETσ is the (12.19) = μ μ ω) σ Dfluor ( ω) . ( 2 6 ∫ DD* AA* −∞ r the lineshapetransition normalized to the element transition matrix matrix squared:element squared: 2 normalized to the Here σ2 is the lineshape σ = σ / μ . The overlap integral is a σ = σ / μ . The overlap integral is a matrix element squared: transition matrix element squared: ∫ . -/',?()6,%1-%03,(6)>Q%U:<% -/',?()6,%1-%03,(6)> The overlapσ =integral σ / μ . is Thea overlap integral is a 2 * * yetween transfer rate scales as rtransitions. , depends on donor acceptor 6 the strengths of the electronic strengths of and the electronic o, the energy transfer rate scales as r , neglected depends on the neglected strengths the the electronic ptor absorption. One absorption. of the6 thingsOne we of have ishave that the rate ofof transfer andfluorescence acceptor the things we isenergy that rate of energy transfer een donor nd acceptor molecules, and requires resonance between donor fluorescence transfer rate scales as r , depends on the strengths of the electronic between donor fluorescence s for donor andrate acceptor molecules, and requires resonance between fluorescence depend on the of excited donor state population relaxation. Sincedonor this relaxation is this relaxation is will also depend on the rate of excited donor state population relaxation. Since rate of energy transfer One of the things we have neglected is that the rate of energy transfer don. acceptor molecules, and requires resonance between donor fluorescence t the absorption. rate of energy transfer ptor Onedonor of thefluorescence things we have neglected is that the rate of energy transfer dominated by the rate,fluorescence the rate of energy transfer isenergy commonly !"#$%,%0**,(3)G-6-%*>,(-.,/')6-% typically dominated by the donor rate, the rate of transfer is commonly Since this relaxation is e One rateSince of the excited donor state population relaxation. Since this relaxation is .ion. things we have neglected is that the rate of energy transfer this relaxation is depend on the rate of excited donor state population relaxation. Since this relaxation is fluorescence lifetime of the donor τ : of the donor τ : terms of effective R0, and the and the fluorescence lifetime written indonor termsdistance of anpopulation effective distance R0,Since transfer isancommonly y theoftransfer donor fluorescence rate, the rate of energy transfer is commonly ergy is commonly rate excited state relaxation. this relaxation is dominated by the donor fluorescence rate, the rate of energy transfer is commonly 6 6 feffective theofdonor τfluorescence : τR0:, and rate, the fluorescence of the donor τ : distance Rlifetime 1 of ⎛ ⎞ the donor the rate energy transfer is commonly me the donor 0 R 1 ⎛ ⎞ fluorescence lifetime of the donor τ :(12.20) n terms of an effective distance R 0 = the w0ET, and ⎜ ⎟ = w (12.20) ET ⎜ ⎟ τ r ⎝ ⎠ D 6 fluorescence lifetime of theτdonor fective distance 4066,?).,/'0%)%0**,(3)G-6-%*>,(-.,/')6-%9+0(.86)%V>()24)C;O% R0, and the D ⎝ r ⎠τ : 6 R 1 ⎛ ⎞ 0 (12.20) 1 ⎛ R0 ⎞ = the⎜ rate wET (12.20) (12.20) ⎟ (or probability) of energy transferof isenergy equal to the rate tical transfer distance R = w (12.20) 0 6 ET ⎜ ⎟ τ D ⎝ rdistance the rate (or probability) transfer is equal to the rate At the critical transfer R ⎠ 0 τD ⎝ r ⎠ 1 ⎛ R0 ⎞ wET = in ⎜terms defined of the in sixth-root ofthe thesixth-root terms in(12.20) eq. (12.19), and is (12.19), and is scence. Rfluorescence. ⎟ defined 0 is is terms of of the terms in eq. of R fer is equal to the rate 0 τ r the rate (or probability) of energy transfer is equal to the rate distance R transfer is equal to the rate ⎝ ⎠ 0 itical transfer distance RD0 the rate (or probability) of energy transfer is equal to the rate 3,604-'Y%1-%#$%1->,/1,%)/4K,%1)6% yinwritten as eq.incommonly (12.19), and is written as sscence. defined in terms of the sixth-root of the terms in eq. (12.19), and is erms (12.19), and is the rate (or probability) of energy transfer is equal to the rate istance Req. 0 0 is defined in terms of the sixth-root of the terms in eq. (12.19), and is R ',.>0%1-%(-6)**).,/'0%1-%:RQ%1-% 2 ∞ D 9000 ln(10)φD κ σ fluorφin ε2A ((12.19), ν ) D and is (Dν )eq. ∞ 9000 ln(10) κ of the terms ydefined writteninas termsR06of= the sixth-root ) ε A (ν ) (12.21) d ν fluor (ν *06-'0%10.-/)'0%1)66)%1-/).-4)%1-% 5 4R 6 = 4 ∫ (12.21) d ν π ν n N 128 0 4 ∫ 2 ∞ 0 128π 5 n 4 N D E80(,*4,/5)% 2 ν 9000 ln(10) φ κ D ∞ ) 6 0 D9000 ln(10)φ fluorκ(ν ) ε A (ν ) D fluor (ν ) ε A (ν ) 6 (12.21) (12.21) (12.21) R0 = d ν (12.21) R50 n=4 N 2 ∫ 40/'(-G8'0%V*063,/'%*4(,,/-/?C% 4 dν 5 D4 4 ∫ π ν 128 e practical definition which accounts for the frequency dependence of the transition∞ 0 π n N(ν ) ε (ν ) ν 128 9000 ln(10) φ κ 0 D This is the practical definition which accounts for the frequency dependence of the transitionA fluor 6 (12.21) in common R = d ν 0 eraction and128 non-radiative donor relaxation in addition to being expressed 5 4 4 ∫ 103,O% π ν n N pendence oftransitionthe transitioninteraction and non-radiative donor relaxation in addition being expressed in common 0 efinition which accounts for the frequency dependence of the transitionence ofdipole the -1 the D transitionhe practical definition which accounts dependence of to the represents units of frequency in cmfor .&W%Thefrequency fluorescence spectrum σ luor must be -1 n%-/1-4,%1-%(-+()5-0/,%1,6%.,550% being expressed in common ν represents units of frequency in cm . The fluorescence spectrum σ Dluor must be units. non-radiative donor relaxation in addition to being expressed in common expressed in common +(,A8,/5)%-/%4. teraction and non-radiative donor relaxation in addition to being expressed in common D finition which for fluor the νfrequency dependence the transitiond to unit area,accounts in cmof(inverse wavenumbers). The ) is expressed D so that D -1 D D N%/8.,(0%1-%<30?)1(0% -1 D ce spectrum σ must be normalized to unit area, so that ν is expressed in cm (inverse The units of frequency in cm . The fluorescence spectrum σ must be /0(.)6-55)')%)1%)(,)%8/-')(-)% fluor ) ectrum σ must be representsluordonor units of frequency in cm .toThe σ luor mustwavenumbers). be fluor luor in addition beingfluorescence expressed inspectrum common non-radiative spectrum A D(ν ) relaxation must be expressed in molar decadic extinction coefficient units D #:The %E80(,*4,/4,%6-+,2.,%1,6%10/)'0(,% nverse wavenumbers). The sounit thatarea, σ fluorso νin)that is cm wavenumbers). absorption ν)fluorescence must be (inverse expressed in(inverse molar decadic extinction -1expressed D (spectrum ,*>(,**)%-/%4.% erea, The ( ) edwavenumbers). toof isinexpressed in cm wavenumbers). Thecoefficient units Aν fluor nits frequency cm . The spectrum σ must be cm). n is the index of refraction of the solvent, N is Avagadro’s luor number, and φD is the extinction coefficient units must be inexpressed molarofdecadic extinction coefficient units (ν )coefficient (liter/mol⋅cm). n,*>(,**)%-/%6-'(-X.06!4.% is the index refraction ofdecadic the solvent, N isThe Avagadro’s and φD is the ction n A spectrum εD A (expressed ννunits must be in (inverse molar extinction coefficient number, units ) a, so that is expressed in cm wavenumbers). ) orescence quantum yield. fluor and φthe thequantum D edro’s indexnumber, of refraction ofis(,*)%A8)/24)%1-%E80%1,6%10/)'0(,% the solvent, Nthe is solvent, Avagadro’s and φD is theand φD is the donor fluorescence ⋅cm). n is the index refraction N is number, Avagadro’s number, and φ is D ν must be expressed in molarof yield. decadic extinction coefficientnumber, units A( ) antum yield. orescence quantumofyield. ndex of refraction the solvent, N is Avagadro’s number, and φ is the ntum yield. D d Förster theory (GFT), or indeed anytime that sums over ded to find the total energy transfer rate. er theory is that it connects Equation (4) to spectra that can be mentalist. These expressions are well-known and the reader is e for further explanation [1–4,60]. The Förster critical transfer particularly useful. It is defined as the interchromophore distance ansfer efficiency is 50%. Its application, however, relies on use of ximation for the electronic coupling so that the energy transfer !"#$O%40/1-5-0/-%1-%3)6-1-'Y% "Z%%40((-*>0/1,%)66)%1-*')/5)%'()%-%18,%4(0.0+0(-%)66)%A8)6,%6C,D4-,/5)%1,6%'()/*+,(%=%[Z\O% E¼ 1 : 6 1 þ ðR=R0 Þ ð5Þ is formula to cases where the dipole–dipole approximation fails, a cal distance$K,%>(-.)(]%)**8.>20/*%-/%!0(*',(%'K,0(]%)(,O%% RG for the donor–acceptor pair has been proposed 9W;%'K,%,6,4'(0/-4%408>6-/?%-*%)>>(0N-.)',6]%'K,%1->06,^1->06,%408>6-/?P%% ore precisely determined electronic coupling, V, to that estimated s 2 !1 n 4 9_;%'K,%*063,/'%*4(,,/-/?%0+%'K-*%-/',()420/%-*% formula (see Equation (3b)), V dd, enables a scaling factor und so that:9`;%0/6]%0/,%,6,4'(0/-4%*')',%0+%,)4K%0+%'K,%10/0(%)/1%'K,%)44,>'0(%)(,%0+%-/',(,*'P%% 9a;%'K,%,6,4'(0/-4%408>6-/?%-*%3,(]%b,)cQ%.,)/-/?%-'%-*%*.)66%40.>)(,1%'0%'K,%K0.0?,/,08*% RG ¼ !R0 : ð6Þ *>,4'()6%6-/,%G(0)1,/-/?%90(%G)'K%(,0(?)/-*)20/%,/,(?];%)/1%% ted for R0 in Equation (5), which is useful if electronic couplings 9[;%-'%-*%)**8.,1%'K)'%'K,%E84'8)20/*%0+%'K,%,/3-(0/.,/'%)(08/1%,)4K%.06,486,%)(,% ntum–chemical calculations. -/1,>,/1,/'@%% ptions in %Förster theory are: (1) the electronic coupling is e–dipole coupling, Equation (3b); (2) the solvent screening of this M-)*48/)% 1-% A8,*',% ->0',*-% /,6% 40(*0% 1,6% ',.>0% =% *')')% )/)6-55)')% ,% -/% >)(',% *8>,()')% ) only one electronic state of each of the donor and the acceptor >(0>0/,/10% ?,/,()6-55)5-0/-% ctronic coupling is very weak, meaning it is small )66C)>>(044-0% compared to the 1-% !0(*',(@% T,(% ,*,.>-0Q% A8)/10% 6C)>>(0**-.)5-0/,%9W;%4)1,%,%6C-/',()5-0/,%/0/%=%>-d%1,*4(-3-G-6,%*060%40.,%1->060&1->060Q%=% line broadening (or bath reorganisation energy) and (5) it is 1,L/-(,% 8/)% /803)% 1-*')/5)% 4(-24)% "eF$"Z% 4K,% 2,/,% 40/'0% 1,66)% 1-3,(*)% /)'8()% tions of the>0**-G-6,% environment around each molecule are independent. 1,66,%-/',()5-0/-@% previous reviews [1,11] for discussion of assumptions (1), (2) and that have now resolved the nature of solvent screening [62–64]. :,N',(%#$% f/1->,/1,/',.,/',Q%:)3-1%g@%:,N',(%>(0>0*,%8/%)6'(0%.,44)/-*.0%4K,%>(,3,1,%8/0% *4).G-0%1-%,6,7(0/-@%% % &%-/-5-)6.,/',%+0(.86)'0%>,(%1,*4(-3,(,%6C,/,(?]%'()/*+,(%-/%4(-*')66-%10>)2%40/%-0/-% 9+0*+0(-;% &%2>-4).,/',%)**04-)'0%40/%'()*+,(-.,/2%4K,%40-/306?0/0%'()/*-5-0/-%1->060&>(0-G-',% 9,*,.>-0%'()*+,(-.,/'0%'(->6,70&'(->6,70;% &%/,4,**)(-0%03,(6)>%'()%+8/5-0/-%1C0/1)%,6,7(0/-4K,%1-%:%,1%<% &%6C,D4-,/5)%1,4)1,%,*>0/,/5-)6.,/',%40/%6)%1-*')/5)% &%(-4K-,1,%1-*')/5,%.06,406)(-%>-d%40(',@%I-%>)(6)%)/4K,%1-%V*K0('&1-*')/4,%#$C% &%?,/,()6.,/',%)**04-)'0%)6%A8,/4K-/?@%f6%',(.-/,%hA8,/4K-/?h%-/1-4)%A8)6*-)*-%>(04,**0% L*-40%4K,%(-184,%6)%E80(,*4,/5)@%% " 2r % wDexter = KJ exp $ ! ' # L& L%=%6,?)'0%)66)%*0..)%1,-%()??-%1-%H)/%1,(%i))6*% !0(*',(%3*%:,N',(% !0(*',(%3*%:,N',(% ?,/,()6-55)5-0/,% e2 V= 4!" 0 " PDD* (r1 )PA*A (r2 ) dr1dr2 r1 ! r2 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%)/1%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%)(,%'()/*-20/%1,/*-2,*@%% PDD* (r1 ) PA*A (r2 ) International Reviews in Physical Chemistry 57 A8)/10%:%,1%<%*0/0%*,>)()2%1)%8/)%1-*')/5)%.)??-0(,%1,66,%60(0%1-.,/*-0/-%9*0..)%1,-% second effect considered by Dexter is that when donor and acceptor approach each ()??-%1-%3)/%1,(%i))6*;%)660()%H%>8J%,**,(,%)>>(0**-.)'0%40/%8/C-/',()5-0/,%1->060&1->060% osely, their9)>>(0**-.)5-0/,%1-%!0(*',(;@% molecular orbitals can overlap [65]. Even if this happens to a small he correction to the electronic coupling might be significant. Dexter considered the <%1-*')/5,%.-/0(-Q%?6-%0(G-')6-%.06,406)(-%1-%:%,1%<%>0**0/0%*03()>>0(*-@%</4K,%8/)%>-4406)% e correction to the electrodynamical interactions, term 2 in Equation (2). Using the *03()>>0*-5-0/,%>8J%)3,(,%,j,B%*-?/-L4)/2@%f/%A8,*'0%4)*0%*-%'(03)%6)%1->,/1,/5)% ,*>0/,/5-)6,%1)66)%1-*')/5)@% n approximation for two-electron integrals, 1 ðiuj jvÞ # Siu Sjv ½ðiij jj Þ þ ðiijvvÞ þ ðuuj jj Þ þ ðuujvvÞ&, 4 k866-c,/%)>>(0N@%+0(%'b0%,6,4'(0/*% ð11Þ -/',?()6% e found that the Dexter exchange interaction scales with the product of orbital D * A * AD ! SD*A*SAD 0 0 s of donor–acceptor orbitals: ða b jbaÞ / Sa0 b0 Sab . exp("r / L) AD ! key result Sof Dexter’s work (which holds also for more rigorous treatments of overlap, vide infra) is that owing to the way orbital tails decay, Sab / expð'!RÞ, the 1->,/1,/1,/5)%40.,% ,N>9&"Xg;% In(calculated total electronic coupling) Downloaded By: [Canadian Research Knowledge Network] energy transfer rate, the mechanism of singlet–singlet energy transfer has been categorised as Förster (rate / 1/R6) or Dexter (rate / exp['4!R]). These mechanisms coexist for singlet–singlet energy transfer, as shown by Equation (2), because the total electronic coupling is the sum V toal ¼ V ed þ V ioo. An example of the total electronic coupling, V toal, !0(*',(%3*%:,N',(% for the interaction between the lowest electronic state, S1, and the second electronic state S2, of two naphthalene molecules is shown in Figure 2 [55]. Notice how the approximately 1/R3 distance dependence (cf. the dotted lines) seen in the distance range 5–10 Å changes to a steeply rising exponential function when R 5 5 Å as V ioo becomes significant. 10 y 8 X S2 6 z R 4 S1 2 0 3 9 7 8 5 6 4 Intermolecular separation, R (Å) 10 1->,/1,/1,/5)%40.,% `% naphthalene the S2 states as a WX"and Figure 2. Total electronic coupling between the S1 states of function of interchromophore separation. The steep rise at short separations indicates the onset of interactions depending on interchromophore orbital overlap. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [55]. Copyright 1994, American Chemical Society. !"#$% International Reviews in Physical Chemistry Vol. 30, No. 1, January–March 2011, 49–77 Energy transfer from Förster–Dexter theory to quantum coherent light-harvesting Alexandra Olaya-Castroa* and Gregory D. Scholesb By: [Canadian Research Knowledge Network] At: 08:13 28 March 2011 a Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; bDepartment of Chemistry, Institute for Optical Sciences and Centre for Quantum Information and Quantum Control, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada (Received 10 August 2010; final version received 28 October 2010) Electronic excitation energy transfer is ubiquitous in a variety of multichromophoric systems and has been a subject of numerous investigations in the last century. Recently, sophisticated experimental and theoretical studies of excited state dynamics have been developed with the purpose of attaining a more detailed picture of the coherent and incoherent quantum dynamics relevant to energy transfer processes in a variety of molecular aggregates. In particular, great efforts have been made towards finding experimental signatures of coherent superpositions of electronic states in some light-harvesting antenna complexes and to understand their practical implications. This review intends to provide some foundations, and perhaps inspirations, of new directions of research. In particular, we emphasise current opinions of several effects that go beyond normal Förster theory and highlight open problems in the description of energy transfer beyond standard approximations as well as the need of new approaches to characterise the ‘quantumness’ of excited states and energy transfer dynamics in multichromophoric systems. Keywords: electronic energy transfer; electronic coherence; FRET; Förster theory; two-dimensional spectroscopy; light-harvesting