Quantum optimal environment engineering for efficient photoinduced charge separation

TL;DR

This paper explores how controlling environmental parameters can induce desired quantum dynamics to improve charge separation efficiency in solar energy devices, using optimal control and environment engineering techniques.

Contribution

It introduces a method combining optimal control with environment engineering to enhance charge transfer in quantum systems for solar energy applications.

Findings

Vibrational bath engineering promotes fast charge transfer.

Environmental control suppresses recombination losses.

Method enables directional charge separation.

Abstract

The possibility to induce predetermined coherent quantum dynamics by controlling only the dissipative environmental parameters (such as temperature and pressure) is studied using the combined optimal control and environment engineering frameworks. As an example, we consider the problem of transforming an optically excited donor state into free charge carriers via intermediate higher-lying bridge state(s), with a view to solar energy conversion. In this context, vibrational bath engineering allows to promote fast, directional charge transfer and to suppress recombinative losses.