Fundamental efficiency bound for quantum coherent energy transfer in nanophotonics

Our work to derive a unified quantum theory of coherent and incoherent energy transfer between two atoms—donor and acceptor—valid in arbitrary Markovian nanophotonic environments is published in Optics Express. By developing an exactly solvable theory for resonance energy transfer from the first principles, we derive a quantum master equation for the environment. Our work paves the way toward nanophotonic analogs of efficiency-enhancing environments in quantum biological systems.

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