Extracting Microscopic Models from Kinetic Data

We show how to construct detailed microscopic models of systems where only coarse grained kinetic data can be measured experimentally. This can be done in real time via the application of the methods of optimal control theory coupled to an adaptive algorithm based on simulated annealing. As an added bonus this method allows for precise control, and the system can essentially be placed into any desired kinetic state by application of weak external eld pulses with the right shape. The possible application of this method to the study and control of voltage sensitive proteins is discussed. A limitation to the usefulness of kinetic experiments is that while it is usually easy to come up with microscopic models which explain the data, it is quite often impossible to distinguish from amongst competing models via kinetics alone. Unfortunately kinetic experiments are often the only data one has to work with. In molecular biophysics the problem is particularly poignant since almost no simpliications are possible via application of rst principles. Even if we have the patience to wait for the detailed molecular structure of a biomolecule of interest to be derived, there is no 1