Highly-efficient noise-assisted energy transport in classical oscillator systems

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that highly-efficient noise-assisted energy transport, previously attributed to quantum effects in photosynthesis, can also occur in purely classical oscillator systems, broadening potential technological applications.

Contribution

It shows that noise-assisted energy transfer efficiency is not exclusively quantum but can also be achieved in classical systems, expanding understanding of energy transport mechanisms.

Findings

Classical oscillator systems can exhibit noise-assisted energy transport.

Quantum coherence is not essential for high-efficiency energy transfer.

Potential applications in energy and information transfer technologies.

Abstract

Photosynthesis is a biological process that involves the highly-efficient transport of energy captured from the sun to a reaction center, where conversion into useful biochemical energy takes place. Even though one can always use a quantum perspective to describe any physical process, since everything follows the laws of Quantum Mechanics, is the use of quantum theory imperative to explain this high efficiency? Making use of the quantum-classical correspondence of electronic energy transfer recently introduced by Eisfeld and Briggs [Phys. Rev. E 85, 046118 (2012)], we show here that the highly-efficient noise-assisted energy transport described by Rebentrost et al. [New J. Phys. 11, 033003 (2009)], and Plenio and Huelga [New J. Phys. 10, 113019 (2008)], as the result of the interplay between the quantum coherent evolution of the photosynthetic system and noise introduced by its surrounding environment, it can be found as well in purely classical systems. The wider scope of applicability of the enhancement of energy transfer assisted by noise might open new ways for developing new technologies aimed at enhancing the efficiency of a myriad of energy transfer systems, from information channels in micro-electronic circuits to long-distance high-voltage electrical lines.