Condensed Matter & Statistical Mechanics Seminar

[de_comel]

Condensed Matter and Statistical Physics Section

Joint ICTP/SISSA STATISTICAL MECHANICS SEMINAR


Date:		TUESDAY, 25 JUNE 2013  at 11.30 a.m.

ICTP Venue:  	Luigi Stasi Lecture Hall (first floor),
		Leonardo Building


Speaker:	
Robert MULET
Dept. of Physics, Universidad de la Habana, Cuba


Title:
OPTIMAL DESIGN FOR QUANTUM TRANSPORT ACROSS A DISORDERED SYSTEM


Abstract:
For more than 50 years we have known that photosynthetic systems harvest 
solar energy with almost unit quantum efficiency. However, recent 
experimental evidence of quantum coherence during the excitonic energy 
transport in photosynthetic organisms challenges our understanding of 
this fundamental biological function. Currently, and despite numerous 
efforts, the causal connection between coherence and efficiency is still 
a matter of debate. We show, through extensive simulations of quantum 
coherent transport on networks, that three dimensional structures 
characterized by centro-symmetric Hamiltonians are statistically more 
efficient than random arrangements. Moreover, we theoretical derive a 
general mechanism for highly efficient quantum transport through nite, 
disordered 3D networks. It relies on the interplay of disorder with 
centro-symmetry and a dominant doublet spectral structure, and can be 
controlled by proper tuning of only coarse-grained quantities. 
Photosynthetic light harvesting complexes are discussed as potential 
biological incarnations of this design principle.