Researchers led by Rice University's Guido Pagano used a specialized quantum device to simulate a vibrating molecule and track how energy moves within it. The work, published Dec. 5 in Nature Communications, could improve understanding of basic mechanisms behind phenomena such as photosynthesis and solar energy conversion.

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Rice University researchers used a quantum simulator with trapped ions to model how energy flows through vibrating molecules. By creating a two-site molecular system with independently controllable vibrations and energy loss, they discovered that molecular vibrations actively steer energy transfer rather than acting as background noise. The findings show that multiple vibrations speed up energy transfer and create reinforcing pathways, while differing vibrations make transfer less sensitive to energy mismatches. This controlled experimental approach could inform the design of organic solar cells and molecular devices that leverage quantum effects for efficient energy transfer.

Quantum simulator reveals how vibrations steer energy flow in molecules

A programmable molecule with trapped ions

Tracking energy flow under controlled conditions