Gas-phase studies of the retinal protonated Schiff base chromophore

Abstract

Gas-phase studies of the retinal protonated Schiff base chromophore are reviewed. The use of action spectroscopy has solidified the understanding of the spectral-tuning mechanisms of this important chromophore. Ion-mobility spectrometry and gas phase femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy studies indicate that several of the remarkable photo-isomerization properties of the chromophore such as its specificity and ultrafast nature are intrinsic properties of the chromophore. With a firm understanding of the properties of the isolated retinal chromophore in terms of spectroscopy and dynamics, the influence of the protein is becoming better understood.