Quantum Dynamics of a Nanorotor Driven by a Magnetic Field

TL;DR

This paper models a nanoscale molecular rotor that exhibits quantum superposition and interference, showing high sensitivity to weak magnetic fields and potential biological influence at the quantum-classical boundary.

Contribution

It introduces a quantum mechanical model of a nanorotor driven by magnetic fields, highlighting its quantum coherence and sensitivity in biological contexts.

Findings

Quantum superposition observed in the nanorotor.

Rotor's quantum dynamics are highly sensitive to weak magnetic fields.

Quantum coherence persists longer due to enhanced moment of inertia.

Abstract

A molecular rotor mechanism is proposed to explain weak magnetic field effects in biology. Despite being nanoscale (1 nm), this rotor exhibits quantum superposition and interference. Analytical modeling shows its quantum dynamics are highly sensitive to weak, but not strong, magnetic fields. Due to its enhanced moment of inertia, the rotor maintains quantum coherence relatively long, even in a noisy cellular environment. Operating at the mesoscopic boundary between quantum and classical behavior, such a rotor embedded in cyclical biological processes could exert significant and observable biological influence.