The statistics of photons emitted by single multilevel systems is investigated with emphasis on the nonrenewal characteristics of the photon-arrival times. We consider the correlation between consecutive interphoton times and present closed form expr
essions for the corresponding multiple moment analysis. Based on the moments a memory measure is proposed which provides an easy way of gaging the non-renewal statistics. Monte-Carlo simulations demonstrate that the experimental verification of non-renewal statistics is feasible.
The study of how photosynthetic organisms convert light offers insight not only into natures evolutionary process, but may also give clues as to how best to design and manipulate artificial photosynthetic systems -- and also how far we can drive natu
ral photosynthetic systems beyond normal operating conditions, so that they can harvest energy for us under otherwise extreme conditions. In addition to its interest from a basic scientific perspective, therefore, the goal to develop a deep quantitative understanding of photosynthesis offers the potential payoff of enhancing our current arsenal of alternative energy sources for the future. In the following Chapter, we consider the trade-off between dynamics, structure and function of light harvesting membranes in Rps. Photometricum purple bacteria, as a model to highlight the priorities that arise when photosynthetic organisms adapt to deal with the ever-changing natural environment conditions.
