Resonant Tunneling in Natural Photosynthetic Systems

TL;DR

This paper proposes that quantum resonant tunneling in the structure of thylakoid stacks may explain the high efficiency of photosynthesis, supported by calculations and simulations at relevant wavelengths.

Contribution

It introduces the analogy between superlattices and thylakoid structures, demonstrating quantum resonant tunneling as a potential mechanism in photosynthesis.

Findings

Resonant tunneling occurs at 680 nm and 700 nm wavelengths.

Quantum effects may contribute to photosynthetic efficiency.

Numerical simulations support the feasibility of tunneling in thylakoids.

Abstract

The high internal quantum efficiency observed in higher plants remains an outstanding problem in understanding photosynthesis. Several approaches such as quantum entanglement and quantum coherence have been explored. However, none has yet drawn an analogy between superlattices and the geometrical structure of granal thylakoids in leaves. In this paper, we calculate the transmission coefficients and perform numerical simulations using the parameters relevant to a stack of thylakoid discs. We then show that quantum resonant tunneling can occur at low effective mass of particles for 680 nm and 700 nm incident wavelengths corresponding to energies at which photosynthesis occurs.