Martin Plenio

Professor Martin Plenio, Ulm University.  "Controlling Resonances for Quantum Sensing and Biology."  Special Joint Quantum Sciences Seminar

Abstract:  In recent years the exploration of the relevance of quantum dynamics for biological functions has experienced a considerable increase in interest thanks to both new theoretical ideas and improved experimental techniques. The surprising longevity of coherent phenomena in warm, wet and noisy biological environments is partially due to an intricate interplay between electronic quantum dynamics and the thermally activated vibrational environment made up of molecules and proteins. I will present background, questions and an exploration of the fundamentally important interactions of quantum system and environment. I will show how the three key examples of quantum biology - photosynthesis, magnetoreception of birds and olfaction - fit into this framework thus underlining its importance.