Non-Markovian Quantum Jumps in Excitonic Energy Transfer

TL;DR

This paper introduces a non-Markovian quantum jump approach to simulate exciton dynamics, revealing how non-Markovian effects like coherence revival and enhanced transport influence photosynthetic energy transfer.

Contribution

It develops a novel stochastic simulation method for non-Markovian exciton dynamics and demonstrates its application to biological systems, extending environment-assisted quantum transport concepts.

Findings

Non-Markovian decoherence rates can be negative, indicating coherence revival.

Strong exciton-phonon coupling enhances exciton transport.

Application to Fenna-Matthew-Olson complex shows relevance to photosynthesis.

Abstract

We utilize the novel non-Markovian quantum jump (NMQJ) approach to stochastically simulate exciton dynamics derived from a time-convolutionless master equation. For relevant parameters and time scales, the time-dependent, oscillatory decoherence rates can have negative regions, a signature of non-Markovian behavior and of the revival of coherences. This can lead to non-Markovian population beatings for a dimer system at room temperature. We show that strong exciton-phonon coupling to low frequency modes can considerably modify transport properties. We observe increased exciton transport, which can be seen as an extension of recent environment-assisted quantum transport (ENAQT) concepts to the non-Markovian regime. Within the NMQJ method, the Fenna-Matthew-Olson protein is investigated as a prototype for larger photosynthetic complexes.