Scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have introduced coherence maps, a new technique designed to visualize quantum phenomena inherent in processes like photosynthesis. By applying these maps, the researchers gained significant insights into how photosynthesizing bacteria harness sunlight to produce energy. This method effectively illustrates the complex energy transfer from the outer ring of the light-harvesting complex, where sunlight is absorbed, to the inner ring, which facilitates the chemical reaction involving carbon dioxide and water.
Nancy Makri, a professor of chemistry and head of the project, emphasized that coherence maps simplify the interpretation of quantum mechanics, making it easier to understand nonintuitive phenomena associated with complex systems such as photosynthesis. The coherence maps serve as visual representations of the reduced density matrix—containing comprehensive details about a system’s quantum behavior—allowing researchers to discern energy transfer pathways transparently.
The work, featured in The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, highlights how atomic motions connect the rings and channel energy. Makri anticipates that coherence maps will become an invaluable resource for theoretical quantum analyses, potentially shedding light on the long-standing mysteries of biological energy transfer mechanisms.
