Using coherence to enhance function in chemical and biophysical systems

Coherence phenomena arise from interference, or the addition, of wave-like amplitudes with fixed phase differences. Although coherence has been shown to yield transformative ways for improving function, advances have been confined to pristine matter and coherence was considered fragile. However, recent evidence of coherence in chemical and biological systems suggests that the phenomena are robust and can survive in the face of disorder and noise. Here we survey the state of recent discoveries, present viewpoints that suggest that coherence can be used in complex chemical systems, and discuss the role of coherence as a design element in realizing function. Coherence observed in chemical and biological systems suggests that even in the presence of disorder and noise the phenomenon may yield transformative ways for improving function. Harnessing coherence (Scholes 21425, Review) Coherence—the addition of wave-like amplitudes with fixed phase differences—is probably more familiar in its classical form than in its quantum mechanical form, and is usually considered fragile. However, coherence in chemical and biological systems has been shown to be more robust than previously thought, and to govern and enhance functions in various systems. This Review discusses how coherence can be used to enhance functions such as energy transfer in complex chemical systems, and over longer timescales than a fleeting superposition of states. The authors outline questions that remain over the extent to which systems and devices can be designed to utilize coherence, as well as future challenges in the study and harnessing of coherent phenomena.