Quantum simulator of an open quantum system using superconducting qubits: exciton transport in photosynthetic complexes

TL;DR

This paper proposes a superconducting circuit-based quantum simulator to model complex open quantum systems, specifically exciton transport in photosynthetic complexes, enabling detailed study of energy transfer and environmental effects.

Contribution

It introduces a novel analog quantum simulation platform using superconducting qubits to emulate open quantum system dynamics with engineered environments.

Findings

Feasibility of simulating exciton transport in photosynthetic complexes

Ability to study non-Markovian noise effects

Controlled single-molecule level simulation

Abstract

Open quantum system approaches are widely used in the description of physical, chemical and biological systems. A famous example is electronic excitation transfer in the initial stage of photosynthesis, where harvested energy is transferred with remarkably high efficiency to a reaction center. This transport is affected by the motion of a structured vibrational environment, which makes simulations on a classical computer very demanding. Here we propose an analog quantum simulator of complex open system dynamics with a precisely engineered quantum environment. Our setup is based on superconducting circuits, a well established technology. As an example, we demonstrate that it is feasible to simulate exciton transport in the Fenna-Matthews-Olson photosynthetic complex. Our approach allows for a controllable single-molecule simulation and the investigation of energy transfer pathways as well as non-Markovian noise-correlation effects.