Noise-Induced Coherence in Molecular Processes

TL;DR

This paper explores how incoherent light, like sunlight, induces quantum coherence in molecules, affecting transport processes in natural and technological contexts, with detailed models and specific biological examples.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of noise-induced quantum coherence in molecular excitation by incoherent light, contrasting it with coherent light effects and illustrating with biological and model systems.

Findings

Incoherent light can induce quantum coherence in molecules.

Quantum coherences influence transport processes in biological systems.

The paper distinguishes between effects of incoherent and coherent excitation.

Abstract

Excitation of molecules by incident incoherent electromagnetic radiation, such as sunlight, is described in detail and contrasted with the effect of coherent (e.g. laser) light. The nature of the quantum coherences induced by the former, relevant to transport processes in nature and in technology, is emphasized. Both equilibrium and steady state scenarios are discussed, Three examples: simple models, calcium excitation in polarized light, and the isomerization of retinal in rhodopsin are used to expose the underlying qualitative nature of the established coherences.