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Characterizing the functional role of quantum coherence in energy transfer
Hallmann Óskar Gestsson, Alexandra Olaya-Castro·June 11, 2026
Quantum Physicsphysics.chem-ph
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Abstract
Quantum coherence is understood to play a role in excitation energy transfer in open quantum systems, yet a quantitative approach to assessing its influence on the transfer process is still missing. Using Nakajima-Zwanzig projection operators, we derive a general memory kernel identity that enables us to characterize and quantify the impact of coherence in the eigenenergy basis on a generalized rate of energy transfer. Applying our approach to the electronic dynamics of a dimer coupled to a structured phonon bath, we demonstrate how quantum coherence acts to modulate energy transfer.