Comment on "Quantum Coherence and Sensitivity of Avian Magnetoreception"

TL;DR

This paper critiques a previous study on avian magnetoreception, revealing that their estimated spin coherence time was significantly underestimated due to calculation errors and incorrect parameters, challenging their conclusions.

Contribution

The authors identify and correct errors in a prior analysis, providing a more accurate estimate of spin coherence time relevant to avian magnetoreception.

Findings

Previous estimates of coherence time were underestimated by two orders of magnitude.

Corrected calculations show coherence times are consistent with cryptochrome experiments.

The paper challenges prior conclusions about the timescale of spin coherence in magnetoreception.

Abstract

In a recent Letter [Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 110502 (2012), arXiv:1204.6528], Bandyopadhyay, Paterek and Kaszlikowski report their analysis of spin coherence time in the radical pair involved in avian magnetoreception, concluding that is of the order of a microsecond. However, a combination of an erroneous numerical calculation together with an incorrect parameter drawn from an experimental source have resulted in the authors underestimating by two orders of magnitude. Consequently, one must reverse the authors' conclusion that the timescale is consistent with experiments on cryptochrome.