Probing of small molecules and proteins low frequency vibrations using Terahertz radiation at SRS Daresbury laboratory

There is a general interest in developing a new research field linking new powerful sources of THz radiation with key contemporary challenges in protein science; Specifically, the highly controversial role of fast protein promoting vibrations in biological catalysis. However, the 1-10 THz region of the electromagnetic spectrum is particularly difficult to access experimentally due to the low intensity of conventional laboratory based sources. Therefore we developed a THz radiation station using the existing accelerator based sources on the SRS at Daresbury. We recorded spectra incorporating the low frequency collective vibrations of small molecules as well as some proteins in the solid state. Our experiments were carried out using non-coherent radiation from the modified THz testing facility (TTF) on the SRS at Daresbury.