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A Photonic System for Generating Unconditional Polarization-Entangled Photons Based on Multiple Quantum Interference
Published on: September 5, 2019
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Modern Anesthetic Ethers Demonstrate Quantum Interactions with Entangled Photons
Ryan K Burdick1, Juan P Villabona-Monsalve1, George A Mashour2
1Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
Scientific Reports
|August 7, 2019
Summary
General anesthetics like sevoflurane and isoflurane interact with entangled photons, suggesting quantum mechanisms may underlie anesthetic-induced unconsciousness. This study provides the first experimental evidence for such quantum interactions in anesthetics.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Physics
- Anesthesiology
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- The mechanism of anesthetic-induced unconsciousness is not fully understood.
- Previous research noted links between general anesthesia and physical changes like electron spin.
- No empirical evidence has demonstrated functional quantum interactions of general anesthetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the linear and non-linear optical properties of halogenated ethers.
- To determine if general anesthetics exhibit quantum interactions.
- To explore potential quantum mechanical underpinnings of anesthetic action.
Main Methods:
- Utilized UV-Vis spectroscopy and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations.
- Employed classical and entangled two-photon spectroscopy.
- Studied sevoflurane (SEVO) and isoflurane (ISO), comparing them to diethyl ether.
Main Results:
- Sevoflurane and isoflurane interacted with 800 nm entangled photons.
- Neither SEVO nor ISO interacted with 800 nm classical photons.
- Nonhalogenated diethyl ether did not interact with entangled photons, unlike its halogenated counterparts.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first experimental evidence that halogenated anesthetics can undergo quantum interaction mechanisms.
- The findings suggest a novel approach to understanding the physicochemical properties of anesthetics.
- Quantum interactions may play a role in the mechanism of anesthetic-induced unconsciousness.
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