The roles of quantum effects in biological systems have long fascinated biophysicists. Meanwhile, proteins
undergo sophisticated motions in space and time, which are believed to ultimately govern the biological function
and activities of the proteins. Quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) provides exceptional tools for studying the
dynamics of proteins in the time range of picosecond to nanosecond at the molecular level. In this talk, based
on our recent work on various biological systems studied by QENS and other techniques, such as inelastic
neutron scattering (INS), small angle neutron scattering (SANS), and neutron spin echo (NSE), I will discuss the
possibility of using neutron scattering techniques to reveal the quantum mechanical effects, such as tunneling
effect in the dynamics of proteins and connect them with protein activities or functions.
HK Institute of Quantum Science & Technology,
Room525, Chong Yuet Ming Physics Building, The University of Hong Kong
Phone: 3917 1108
