Exploring the Förster limit in a small FRET pair

Yaser R. Khan, Tieneke E. Dykstra, Gregory D. Scholes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

43 Scopus citations

Abstract

The accuracy of Förster theory for measuring short donor-acceptor distances in a small chromophore pair is examined. Small chromophores are much better suited for measuring short distances relative to large chormophores. Nonetheless, it is found that the Förster expression introduces errors for distances below 20 Å, overestimating for some orientations and underestimating for others. Fortuitous cancellation due to orientation disorder in experimental investigations may result in better agreement with Förster rate. Not only the size of the molecule, but more significantly, the spread of transition dipole density is found to be a limiting factor.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)305-309
Number of pages5
JournalChemical Physics Letters
Volume461
Issue number4-6
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 20 2008
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Physics and Astronomy
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

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