Centrosymmetry enhances quantum transport in disordered molecular networks

Abstract: For more than 50 years we have known that photosynthetic systems harvest solar energy with almost unit quantum efficiency. However, recent experimental evidence of quantum coherence during the excitonic energy transport in photosynthetic organisms challenges our understanding of this fundamental biological function. Currently, and despite numerous efforts, the causal connection between coherence and efficiency is still a matter of debate. We show, through extensive simulations of quantum coherent transport on networks, that three dimensional structures characterized by centro-symmetric Hamiltonians are statistically more efficient than random arrangements. Moreover, a strong correlation of centro-symmetry with quantum efficiency is also observed under the coherent transport dynamics induced by experimentally estimated electronic Hamiltonians of the Fenna-Mathew–Olson complex of sulfur bacteria and of the cryptophyte PC645 complex of marine algae. The application of a genetic algorithm results in a set of optimized Hamiltonians only when seeded from the experimentally estimated Hamiltonian. These results suggest that what appears to be geometrically disordered complexes may well exhibit an inherent hidden symmetry which enhances the energy transport between chromophores. We are confident that our results will motivate research to explore the properties of nearly centro-symmetric Hamiltonians in realistic environments, and to unveil the role of symmetries for quantum effects in biology. The unravelling of such symmetries may open novel perspectives and suggest new design principles in the development of artificial devices

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: New Journal of Physics. 16 (2014), 55002, DOI 10.1088/1367-2630/16/5/055002, issn: 1367-2630 ; IN COPYRIGHT http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0 rs

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Physik

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Freiburg
• (who): Universität
• (when): 2014
• Creator: Zech, Tobias ; Mulet, Roberto ; Wellens, Thomas ; Buchleitner, Andreas
• Contributor: Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg. Physikalisches Institut ; Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg. Fakultät für Mathematik und Physik

Further information

• DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/16/5/055002
• URN: urn:nbn:de:bsz:25-freidok-120217
• Rights: Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 15.08.2025, 7:30 AM CEST