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Interaction of Fixed Number of Photons with Retinal Rod Cells

Nam Mai Phan, Mei Fun Cheng, Dmitri A. Bessarab, and Leonid A. Krivitsky
Phys. Rev. Lett. 112, 213601 – Published 29 May 2014
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Abstract

New tools and approaches of quantum optics offer a unique opportunity to generate light pulses carrying a precise number of photons. Accurate control over the light pulses helps to improve the characterization of photoinduced processes. Here, we study interaction of a specialized light source which provides flashes containing just one photon, with retinal rod cells of Xenopus laevis toads. We provide unambiguous proof of the single-photon sensitivity of rod cells without relying on the statistical modeling. We determine their quantum efficiencies without the use of any precalibrated detectors and obtain the value of (29±4.7)%. Our approach provides the path for future studies and applications of quantum properties of light in phototransduction, vision, and photosynthesis.

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  • Received 18 December 2013

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.112.213601

© 2014 American Physical Society

Synopsis

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Seeing Just One Photon

Published 29 May 2014

Scientists have measured the quantum efficiency of retinal cells using single photons.

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Authors & Affiliations

Nam Mai Phan1,3, Mei Fun Cheng1, Dmitri A. Bessarab2, and Leonid A. Krivitsky1,*

  • 1Data Storage Institute, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A-STAR), 117608, Singapore
  • 2Institute of Medical Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A-STAR), 138648, Singapore
  • 3Department of Bioengineering, National University of Singapore, 117576, Singapore

  • *Leonid_Krivitskiy@dsi.a-star.edu.sg

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Issue

Vol. 112, Iss. 21 — 30 May 2014

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