Environment-induced anisotropy and the sensitivity of the radical pair mechanism in the avian compass

Abstract

Several experiments over the years have shown that the Earth's magnetic field is essential for orientation in birds migration. The most promising explanation for this orientation is the photo-stimulated radical pair (RP) mechanism. In order to define a reference frame for the orientation task radicals must have an intrinsic anisotropy. We show that this kind of anisotropy, and consequently the entanglement in the model, are not necessary for the proper functioning of the compass. Classically correlated initial conditions for the RP, subjected to a fast decoherence process, are able to provide the anisotropy required. Even a dephasing environment can provide the necessary frame for the compass to work, and also implies fast decay of any quantum correlation in the system without damaging the orientation ability. This fact significantly expands the range of applicability of the RP mechanism providing more elements for experimental search.

7 pages, 6 figures. Replaced with final published version

References in corpus (3)

• Dephasing assisted transport: Quantum networks and biomolecules
• Quantum coherence and sensitivity of avian magnetoreception
• Comment on "Quantum Coherence and Sensitivity of Avian Magnetoreception"

Cited by in corpus (5)

• The radical-pair mechanism as a paradigm for the emerging science of quantum biology
• Observations about utilitarian coherence in the avian compass
• Simulating spin biology using a digital quantum computer: Prospects on a near-term quantum hardware emulator
• Singular value decomposition quantum algorithm for quantum biology
• Dark state population determines magnetic sensitivity in radical pair magnetoreception model