Summary
It is unknown whether biological processes make direct use of quantum effects, as opposed to depending merely on the influence of quantum physics on chemical bonding and molecular structure. We are testing the hypothesis that entangled pairs of phosphorus-31 atoms may link the function of remotely located neurons within the vertebrate brain. Using a rat brain model and an array of instruments and techniques, we are exploring the possibility that dissociation of pyrophosphate molecules sends entangled 31P atoms into separate neurons with physiologic consequences. We are also investigating whether there are systematic differences in neuronal action potential when we subject the neuronal tissue to different isotopes of lithium. If we can show that remotely entangled atoms link the functions of separate neurons, this may provide insight into a range of biological mysteries, such as olfaction, magneto-navigation by the European Robin, and the actions of lithium in treating mood disorders.
Related Content
Novel Infrared Camera Based on Quantum Sensors for Biomedical Applications
Summary In this project we develop a novel infrared camera with low noise and high detection efficiency for biomedical applications of optical coherence tomography (OCT) using quantum materials. OCT is a technique used to image the back of the eye and allow for the diagnosis of detrimental eye conditions, for e.g., macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy […]
March 13, 2019
Two-Dimensional Quantum Materials and Heterostructures
Two-dimensional (2D) layers just one atom thick can be stripped from certain materials, such as graphene.
June 1, 2017
Novel High-Speed Receiver for Quantum Communication and Sensing
Summary An essential aspect of a quantum channel is the detection and analysis of quantum signals in the form of photons. For most free-space applications, the photons are polarization encoded, e.g. by assigning the ‘0’ to horizontally polarized photons and ‘1’ to vertically polarized photons. However, where the geometric reference is not constant at all […]
January 1, 2019
Topological Properties of Exciton-Polaritons in a Kagome Lattice as a Solid-state Quantum Simulator
Summary In this project, we build a solid-state quantum simulator for engineering a specific Hamiltonian. Quantum simulators are purpose-built devices with little to no need for error correction, thereby making this type of hardware less demanding than universal quantum computers. Our platform consists of exciton-polariton condensates in multiple quantum-wells sandwiched in a semiconductor Bragg […]
December 8, 2018