Presenter Information

Brian Doolittle, Colby CollegeFollow

Location

Diamond 341

Start Date

1-5-2014 9:00 AM

End Date

1-5-2014 10:50 AM

Project Type

Presentation

Description

Photosynthesis is extremely efficient at converting light into chemical energy. The energy conversion occurs in the FMO pigment-protein complex. The FMO has been extensively studied. Experimental results show that there is a longterm coherence lasting on the order picoseconds. However, the results fail to identify if the coherence is electronic or vibronic and if it is a classical or a quantum effect. To analyze the system, we are using a theoretical model based on a quantum adiabatic path integral (Quapi). With our simulation, we are trying to parameterize the long-term coherence observed and determine if the system is classical or quantum.

Faculty Sponsor

Duncan Tate; Liz McGrath

Sponsoring Department

Colby College. Physics and Astronomy Dept.

CLAS Field of Study

Natural Sciences

Event Website

http://www.colby.edu/clas

ID

238

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May 1st, 9:00 AM May 1st, 10:50 AM

Coherence and Quantumness in Photosynthesis

Diamond 341

Photosynthesis is extremely efficient at converting light into chemical energy. The energy conversion occurs in the FMO pigment-protein complex. The FMO has been extensively studied. Experimental results show that there is a longterm coherence lasting on the order picoseconds. However, the results fail to identify if the coherence is electronic or vibronic and if it is a classical or a quantum effect. To analyze the system, we are using a theoretical model based on a quantum adiabatic path integral (Quapi). With our simulation, we are trying to parameterize the long-term coherence observed and determine if the system is classical or quantum.

https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/clas/2014/program/60