Starting from the assumption that rod cells are sensitive to single photons, we propose a method to verify the existence of a quantum superposition in the retina, observing the Rabi oscillations in the quantum interaction of a coherent laser light with the rod cells. The computer simulation shows that the oscillations visibility is a robust parameter, so that it would be possible to observe the fringes also in presence of strong decoherence. The feasibility of the experiment is ensured by the new MEA (microelectrode array) technology, that allows to record the transretinal voltage change of a single retinal segment.

A proposal to measure the Rabi oscillations in the retinal rod cells / G. Strini, R. Pizzi. - In: THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. D, ATOMIC, MOLECULAR AND OPTICAL PHYSICS. - ISSN 1434-6060. - 54:3(2009), pp. 723-728. [10.1140/epjd/e2009-00207-5]

A proposal to measure the Rabi oscillations in the retinal rod cells

G. Strini
Primo
;
R. Pizzi
Ultimo
2009

Abstract

Starting from the assumption that rod cells are sensitive to single photons, we propose a method to verify the existence of a quantum superposition in the retina, observing the Rabi oscillations in the quantum interaction of a coherent laser light with the rod cells. The computer simulation shows that the oscillations visibility is a robust parameter, so that it would be possible to observe the fringes also in presence of strong decoherence. The feasibility of the experiment is ensured by the new MEA (microelectrode array) technology, that allows to record the transretinal voltage change of a single retinal segment.
quantum algorithms protocols and simulations ; morfology of nerve cells ; cells on a chip
Settore INF/01 - Informatica
2009
Article (author)
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/66486
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