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Quantumness in light harvesting is determined by vibrational dynamics
1Chemical Physics Theory Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada.
The Journal of Chemical Physics
|December 24, 2018
Summary
Quantum and classical dynamics in biological light-harvesting depend solely on the thermal environment. This highlights the crucial role of vibrational dynamics in creating the quantum photosynthetic energy funnel.
Area of Science:
- Quantum dynamics
- Biophysics
- Photosynthesis
Background:
- The multi-level spin-boson (MLSB) Hamiltonian models biological light-harvesting processes.
- Understanding the quantum vs. classical nature of these dynamics is crucial for biophysical research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the thermal environment in determining quantum and classical dynamics within the MLSB Hamiltonian.
- To clarify the quantum mechanical origins of the photosynthetic energy funnel.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the MLSB Hamiltonian under classical environmental interactions.
- Comparison of energy transfer dynamics between quantum and classical models in the linear response regime.
Main Results:
- Any MLSB model with classical interactions is dynamically equivalent to a classical model of coupled harmonic oscillators.
- The thermal environment dictates whether dynamics are quantum or classical.
- Vibrational dynamics are central to the quantum nature of photosynthetic light-harvesting.
Conclusions:
- The "quantumness" of photosynthetic light-harvesting is intrinsically linked to vibrational dynamics.
- The photosynthetic energy funnel's quantum origin is confirmed, independent of entanglement.
- Environmental interactions are key to distinguishing quantum from classical dynamics in biological systems.
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