Modelling of light modulation processes in D85N bacteriorhodopsin

A simplified model for the complex photocycle of the D85N genetic variant of the bacteriorhodopsin (bR) protein molecule is presented. Steady state population densities of the various intermediate states of the molecule induced by photo-absorption of modulation light beam are obtained using the rate equations approach. All-optical modulation of various probe signals at wavelengths corresponding to absorption peaks of each of the intermediate states by a pump signal at 570 nm is presented in the form of optical densities. The analysis presented here is useful for designing the molecular spatial light modulators using D85N variant of bR molecules.