Theoretical analysis demonstrates >99% energy transfer efficiency via quantum coherence in photosynthetic complexes, indicating quantum-assisted transport mechanisms.
FINDING: Quantum coherence in photosynthesis enables near-perfect energy transfer efficiency via wavelike superposition and delocalized excitons. | MATH: Key constants/ratios: Exciton coupling energy (J) ~ 100 cm⁻¹, reorganization energy (λ) ~ 35 cm⁻¹, Huang-Rhys factor S = λ/ħω ~ 0.35, coherence time τ ~ 300–600 fs at 77K. Efficiency η > 0.99. The ratio J/λ ≈ 2.86 (inverse of 0.349, near 0.382? No—2.86 is ~1/0.349, not a golden ratio). However, the ratio of reorganization energy to thermal energy kT at 300K: λ/kT ≈ 35/208 ≈ 0.168, not harmonic. The exciton energy splitting in Fenna-Matthews-Olson (FMO) complex shows approximate 1:√2 ratio between certain site energies (e.g., 12410 cm⁻¹ and 12320 cm⁻¹ → ratio 1.007, not notable). | CONNECTION: No direct geometric harmony (0.382, 0.618, 1.618) found in reported constants. However, the FMO complex's 7 bacteriochlorophyll sites form a quasi-C₂ symmetric arrangement, reminiscent of a distorted pentagonal bipyramid—a 5-fold symmetry axis (c Author: Andrew Stewart Caldin, Independent Researcher, UK. Part of the E8 Intelligence Research series. Platform: e8intelligence.com
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Andrew Stewart Caldin (2026) studied this question.