Quantum scattering model of energy transfer in photosynthetic complexes

TL;DR

This paper presents a quantum scattering model for exciton energy transfer in photosynthetic complexes, highlighting the role of quantum coherence, resonance conditions, and pathway diversity in optimizing energy transport efficiency.

Contribution

It introduces a novel quantum scattering approach to model exciton transport, emphasizing the combined effects of quantum coherence, resonance, and pigment distribution in photosynthesis.

Findings

Quantum coherence enhances transport efficiency.

Multiple pathways facilitate easier resonance conditions.

Optimal pigment distribution and quantum effects enable perfect energy transfer.

Abstract

We develop a quantum scattering model to describe the exciton transport through the Fenna-Matthews-Olson(FMO) complex. It is found that the exciton transport involved the optimal quantum coherence is more efficient than that involved classical behavior alone. Furthermore, we also find that the quantum resonance condition is easier to be fulfilled in multiple pathways than that in one pathway. We then definitely demonstrate that the optimal distribution of the pigments, the multitude of energy delivery pathways and the quantum effects, are combined together to contribute to the perfect energy transport in the FMO complex.