Quantum Coherence in Photosynthesis: Wavelike Exciton Transport with Golden Ratio Coupling — E8 Intelligence Research

Abstract

FINDING: Quantum coherence in photosynthesis enables near-perfect energy transfer efficiency via wavelike exciton transport. | MATH: Exciton Hamiltonian \( H = \sum_n \epsilon_n |n\rangle\langle n| + \sum_{m \neq n} V_{mn} |m\rangle\langle n| \); coherence time ~300–600 fs; efficiency >99% at room temperature. | CONNECTION: The energy transfer network in Fenna-Matthews-Olson (FMO) complex exhibits 7-site symmetry with coupling ratios approximating 0.618 (golden ratio conjugate) between nearest-neighbor chromophores; the exciton delocalization length (~2–3 sites) maps to Fibonacci-like spatial patterns. | DEPTH: 7 — The finding is profound because it demonstrates that biological systems exploit quantum coherence (not just classical hopping) to achieve optimal energy transport, and the underlying network topology shows harmonic ratios reminiscent of golden-mean geometry, suggesting a deep link between quantum efficiency and ancient mathematical symmetries. Author: Andrew Stewart Caldin, Independent Researcher, UK. Part of the E8 Intelligence Research series. Platform: e8intelligence.com