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 . Our approach provides the path for future studies and applications of quantum properties of light in phototransduction, vision, and photosynthesis.
- Received 18 December 2013
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.112.213601
© 2014 American Physical Society
Synopsis
Seeing Just One Photon
Published 29 May 2014
Scientists have measured the quantum efficiency of retinal cells using single photons.
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