The Exciton in Protein

Abstract

Following Frenkel-Peierls method, the electronic state of an exciton created in a set of peptide groups repeated by hydrogen bonds, —OCNH—OCNH—OCNH—, is studied. Referring to the Magee’s treatment, the spreading velocity of the exciton along the linear set of peptide groups is determined. The spreading velocities of singlet and triplet exciton are estimated as about 1.2×10⁷ cm/sec. and 3.2×10² cm/sec., respectively.