Quantum transport in quantum networks and photosynthetic complexes at the steady state

TL;DR

This paper investigates steady state quantum transport in fully connected networks and photosynthetic complexes, examining how environmental noise like dephasing can enhance energy transfer efficiency.

Contribution

It introduces a steady state analysis of quantum transport in complex networks, including the Fenna-Matthew-Olson complex, highlighting noise-assisted transport mechanisms.

Findings

Dephasing can enhance quantum transport efficiency.

Steady state analysis provides insights into continuous energy flow.

Noise effects vary depending on network structure.

Abstract

Recently, several works have analysed the efficiency of photosynthetic complexes in a transient scenario and how that efficiency is affected by environmental noise. Here, following a quantum master equation approach, we study the energy and excitation transport in fully connected networks both in general and in the particular case of the Fenna-Matthew-Olson complex. The analysis is carried out for the steady state of the system where the excitation energy is constantly "flowing" through the system. Steady state transport scenarios are particularly relevant if the evolution of the quantum system is not conditioned on the arrival of individual excitations. By adding dephasing to the system, we analyse the possibility of noise-enhancement of the quantum transport.