Transient Synchronisation and Quantum Coherence in a Bio-Inspired Vibronic Dimer

Abstract: Synchronisation is a collective phenomenon widely investigated in classical oscillators and, more recently, in quantum systems. However, it remains unclear what features distinguish synchronous behaviour in these two scenarios. Recent works have shown that investigating the dynamics of synchronisation in open quantum systems can give insight into this issue. Here we study transient synchronisation in a bio-inspired vibronic dimer, where the dynamics of electronic excitation is mediated by coherent interactions with intramolecular vibrational modes. We show that the synchronisation dynamics of the displacement of these local modes exhibit a rich behaviour which arises directly from the distinct time-evolutions of different vibronic quantum coherences. Furthermore, our study shows that coherent energy transport in this bio-inspired system is concomitant with the emergence of positive synchronisation between mode displacements. Our work provides further understanding of the relations between quantum coherence and synchronisation in open quantum systems and suggests an interesting role for coherence in biomolecules, that is promoting the synchronisation of vibrational motions driven out of thermal equilibrium.