Vibronic coupling is a critical component of most mechanisms invoking quantum effects in biological processes. However, it is not clear how properties associated with vibrational coherence such as phase and coupling of atomic motion impact the efficiency of light-induced processes. Here, we show that deuteration of the H11-C11=C12-H12 double-bond of the 11-cis retinal chromophore in the visual pigment rhodopsin significantly and unexpectedly alters the photoisomerization yield. These results reveal a new vibrational phase-dependent isotope effect.

A straightforward and efficient method is reported to covalently couple dyes to the surface of polymeric materials. The plasma based process works with many different dyes and on any polymeic substrate, including common bulk plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene and Teflon.

Computational efforts in heterogeneous catalysis are constantly striving towards a better and more accurate understanding of chemical reactions at interfaces. Simple energy relations based on bond order conservation principles are beginning to have a considerable impact on studies of catalytic reactivity and a new era of theory-driven catalyst design.