The Oliver group uses an arsenal of experimental techniques, including multidimensional ultrafast laser spectroscopies with high temporal and spectral resolution, to investigate ultrafast molecular relaxation dynamics, energy and charge transfer in a range of chemicals, biomolecules, de novo proteins and natural photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes with a range of collabators. As well as using established experimental techniques, we also actively develop novel ultrafast experiments. Full details of our activities can be found at the group website www.oliverresearchgroup.com and are summarised below:

Ultrafast dynamics of photoactive proteins
Photosynthetic and photoactive proteins are essential to all life on Earth, playing pivotal roles in the primary steps of light harvesting of plants, to the first event in vision. Our interests include the study of natural photoactive proteins, bio-nanohybrid systems combining photosynthetic proteins with nanomaterials, and specially designed (de novo) proteins. Using an array of time-resolved experiments, we are able to determine the photobiological dynamics including timescales for electron and electronic energy transfer, and the role of the protein in mediating these events.

Coherent nuclear dynamics
With the short pulses available in our laboratories (<10 fs), we are able to drive and monitor a range of different coherent dynamics within molecules, polymers and proteins. These include vibrational wavepacket dynamics, that allow us to gain insight into how the electronic structure on the excited state evolves, and the nuclear motions that drive coupling of different electronic states at conical intersections.

Influence of environment on photochemical reactions
Molecules in solution rotate, collide and inter-change energy with their surroundings on picosecond or shorter timescales. The magnitude and timescale of these interactions that alter and determine the excited state photochemical/physical dynamics.

Nanomaterials and their enhancement of photosynthesis
Carbon nanodots (CDs) are non-toxic nanomaterials with appreciable fluorescent quantum yields making them ideal for biosensing. Further, they can be synthesised using a 3 minute microwave assisted synthesis from cheap starting materials. Uptake of specially functionalised CDs by plants and algae can lead to increased photosynthetic quantum yields and enhanced biomass yields.