Simulating noise assisted quantum transport mechanisms with cold atoms

White, Andrew David (2020). Simulating noise assisted quantum transport mechanisms with cold atoms. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

A strong interplay between quantum coherence and a noisy protein environment was used to explain the high efficiency of exciton transport through the photosynthetic Fenna-Matthews-Olson (FMO) complex. Aspects of this transport process were simulated experimentally using a three-site system composed of RF coupled magnetic sub-states of the F=1 state of rubidium 87. The effect of a noisy environment was modelled by a noisy pure dephasing classical field that perturbed the site energies. An optimum noise power for efficient transport in a linear network was observed and in addition, the theoretically predicted localisation, environmental noise assisted quantum transport (ENAQT) and Zeno-like regimes were identified. Transport through the system was also found to be strongly dependent on the frequency components of the applied perturbation. Low frequency perturbations, below the dressed state splitting of the system, were found to induce transport using sub-resonance transfer paths. Dephasing assisted transport (DAT, modelled using a broadband noise source), and vibration assisted transport (VAT, modelled as a structured noisy environment with a Lorentzian centred on the dressed state energy splitting) were compared. It was found that VAT was a faster transport mechanism than DAT.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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