Solution (source code)

= Solution

For independent available acceptors at equal distance, the <multiple-acceptor FRET efficiency> follows by adding the $n$ parallel exit rates. Each contributes the same rate $k_T$, so the total rate is $nk_T$, rather than $n$ times the single-pair transfer <probability>. Hence
$$
E_n=\frac{nk_T}{k_D+nk_T},\qquad
\frac{k_T}{k_D}=\frac{E}{1-E},
\qquad\boxed{E_n=\frac{nE}{1+(n-1)E}.}
$$
Equivalently, $E_n=n/[n+(R/R_0)^6]$. Inverting gives
$$
\boxed{R=R_0\left[\frac{n(1-E_n)}{E_n}\right]^{1/6}.}
$$
With $n=3$ and $E_n=0.75$, the bracket is exactly one and $R=R_0=6.5$ nm. Each isolated pair would have efficiency $1/2$; the three transfer rates together give $3/(1+3)=3/4$. Multiplying $1/2$ by three would violate the <probability> bound and is not a valid calculation.

This model assumes one donor excitation, identical pairwise transfer rates, no coherent coupling between acceptors, no acceptor saturation and no change in donor photophysics or orientation on adding labels. Different separations instead require summing $k_{T,j}$ individually. Acceptor-to-acceptor transfer can alter which acceptor emits; it does not automatically change the donor's first-transfer <probability> when the donor exit rates remain those specified.