Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
05:59
New Framework for Understanding Cross-Brain Coherence in Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) Hyperscanning Studies
Published on: October 6, 2023
Operational bounds and diagnostics for coherence in energy transfer
Julia Liebert1, Gregory D Scholes1
1Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, USA.
The Journal of Chemical Physics
|June 9, 2026
Summary
Quantum coherence
Area of Science:
- Quantum biology
- Spectroscopy
- Theoretical chemistry
Background:
- Light-harvesting systems exhibit efficient energy transfer.
- The role of quantum coherence in this transport is debated.
- Distinguishing coherence effects from other factors is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop a resource theory to quantify coherence's impact on energy transport.
- Establish operational diagnostics for benchmarking quantum effects.
- Identify conditions where coherence is relevant or negligible.
Main Methods:
- Formulated a resource theoretic approach.
- Introduced the resource impact functional.
- Applied the framework to dimer and multi-site chain models.
Main Results:
- Derived state-independent, readout-specific bounds on coherence-induced changes.
- Quantified coherence sensitivity in different regimes.
- Established criteria to distinguish coherence effects from population dynamics.
Conclusions:
- The resource theory provides rigorous bounds for assessing quantum coherence in energy transport.
- Identified conditions and models where coherence plays a significant role.
- Offers a framework for future investigations into quantum effects in biological systems.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Energy Associated With a Charge Distribution
The work done to bring a charge through a distance r is given by the potential difference between the initial and the final position. To assemble a collection of point charges, the total work done can be expressed in terms of the product of each pair of charges divided by their separation distance, defined with respect to a suitable origin. Solving this expression gives the energy stored in a point charge distribution.
01:31Energy Stored In A Coaxial Cable
A coaxial cable consists of a central copper conductor used for transmitting signals, followed by an insulator shield, a metallic braided mesh that prevents signal interference, and a plastic layer that encases the entire assembly.
In the simplest form, a coaxial cable can be represented by two long hollow concentric cylinders in which the current flows in opposite directions. The magnetic field inside and outside the coaxial cable is determined by using Ampère's law. The magnetic field inside...
In the simplest form, a coaxial cable can be represented by two long hollow concentric cylinders in which the current flows in opposite directions. The magnetic field inside and outside the coaxial cable is determined by using Ampère's law. The magnetic field inside...
01:16Maximum Power Transfer
Numerous practical applications within engineering disciplines, such as telecommunications, necessitate optimizing power delivery to a connected load. This pursuit, however, entails inherent internal losses, which can either equal or exceed the power supplied to the load. The Thevenin equivalent circuit is helpful in finding the maximum power a linear circuit can deliver to a load. It is assumed in this context that the load resistance can be adjusted.
By substituting the entire circuit with...
By substituting the entire circuit with...
01:01Energy Bands in Solids
Isolated atoms have discrete energy levels that are well described by the Bohr model. And, it quantifies the energy of an electron in a hydrogen atom as En. Higher quantum numbers 'n' yield less negative, closer electron energy levels.
Band Formation:
When atoms are brought close together, as in a solid, these discrete energy levels begin to split due to the overlap of electron orbitals from adjacent atoms. This split occurs because of the Pauli exclusion principle, which states that no two...
Band Formation:
When atoms are brought close together, as in a solid, these discrete energy levels begin to split due to the overlap of electron orbitals from adjacent atoms. This split occurs because of the Pauli exclusion principle, which states that no two...
01:14Conservation of Energy in Control Volume
Consider a turbine operating under steady-flow conditions. The control volume is drawn around the turbine, with fluid entering at one point and exiting at another. The turbine extracts energy from the fluid, which performs mechanical work (shaft work).
For steady flow systems, the time derivative of the stored energy becomes zero since there is no energy accumulation within the control volume. This simplifies the energy equation to:
For steady flow systems, the time derivative of the stored energy becomes zero since there is no energy accumulation within the control volume. This simplifies the energy equation to:
00:54Conservation of Energy
The terms 'conserved quantity' and 'conservation law' have specific scientific meanings in physics, which differ from the meanings associated with their everyday use. For example, in everyday usage, water could be conserved by not using it, by using less of it, or by re-using it. However, in scientific terms, a conserved quantity of a system stays constant, changes by a definite amount that is transferred to other systems, and is converted into other forms of that quantity. In the scientific...