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Chemical compass model for avian magnetoreception as a quantum coherent device
Jianming Cai1, Martin B Plenio1
1Institut für Theoretische Physik, Albert-Einstein Allee 11, Universität Ulm, 89069 Ulm, Germany and Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology, Universität Ulm, 89069 Ulm, Germany.
Physical Review Letters
|January 31, 2014
Summary
This study reveals that avian magnetoreception relies on global quantum coherence, akin to a quantum interferometer. Understanding this quantum coherence is key to predicting chemical compass function in birds.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Biology
- Biophysics
- Neuroethology
Background:
- Over 50 species utilize Earth's magnetic field for navigation.
- Avian magnetoreception is hypothesized to involve a chemical compass based on radical pair reactions.
- The role of quantum coherence in this chemical compass remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of global quantum coherence in avian magnetoreception.
- To model the chemical compass using principles of quantum metrology.
- To establish a link between quantum coherence and the functionality of magnetoreception.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of the chemical compass as a quantum interferometer.
- Quantification of global quantum coherence.
- Correlation of coherence measures with magnetoreception performance.
Main Results:
- The chemical compass model functions via global quantum coherence, not subsystem coherence.
- Global quantum coherence can be quantified and linked to magnetoreception.
- A quantum metrology framework explains how factors influence chemical compass performance.
Conclusions:
- Avian magnetoreception can be understood through a quantum interferometer analogy.
- Global quantum coherence is essential for the chemical compass mechanism.
- This work provides a quantum coherence-based perspective on magnetoreception.
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