Quantum molecular sensing, communication and processing by photons

This paper examines various engineered and natural photonic and biophotonic systems. To analyze and design microscopic systems, we examine quantum phenomena which are exhibited and utilized. Quantum effects and photonic technology are widely used in biotechnology, communication, electronics, medicine and other applications. Basic research and discoveries in photonics and biophotonics are foundations of science and engineering in developing new knowledge bases, systems and technologies beyond currently available. Advances are needed in computer-brain interfacing, photoelectronics, optogenetics, neurophotonics, etc. With a focus on practical engineered devices, we perform quantum analysis and propose enabling solutions. Our three-fold objectives are: (1) Examine microscopic systems; (2) Study phenomena, effects and mechanisms possibly utilized by natural systems to accomplish sensing, communication and processing; (3) Devise novel microscopic systems by researching solutions which may enable a knowledge base and discover new sensing and processing capabilities comparable to exhibited by living organisms. Our transformative findings are substantiated by means of basic, applied and numerical studies which are consistent with experiments, biophysics and quantum mechanics.