Quantum trajectory tests of radical-pair quantum dynamics in CIDNP measurements of photosynthetic reaction centers

Abstract

Chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization is a ubiquitous phenomenon in photosynthetic reaction centers. The relevant nuclear spin observables are a direct manifestation of the radical-pair mechanism. We here use quantum trajectories to describe the time evolution of radical-pairs, and compare their prediction of nuclear spin observables to the one derived from the radical-pair master equation. While our approach provides a consistent description, we unravel a major inconsistency within the conven- tional theory, thus challenging the theoretical interpretation of numerous CIDNP experiments sensitive to radical-pair reaction kinetics.