Coherence in Chemistry: Foundations and Frontiers

Jonathan D. Schultz, Jonathon L. Yuly, Eric A. Arsenault, Kelsey Parker, Sutirtha N. Chowdhury, Reshmi Dani, Sohang Kundu, Hanggai Nuomin, Zhendian Zhang, Jesús Valdiviezo, Peng Zhang, Kaydren Orcutt, Seogjoo J. Jang, Graham R. Fleming, Nancy Makri, Jennifer P. Ogilvie, Michael J. Therien, Michael R. Wasielewski, David N. Beratan

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Coherence refers to correlations in waves. Because matter has a wave-particle nature, it is unsurprising that coherence has deep connections with the most contemporary issues in chemistry research (e.g., energy harvesting, femtosecond spectroscopy, molecular qubits and more). But what does the word “coherence” really mean in the context of molecules and other quantum systems? We provide a review of key concepts, definitions, and methodologies, surrounding coherence phenomena in chemistry, and we describe how the terms “coherence” and “quantum coherence” refer to many different phenomena in chemistry. Moreover, we show how these notions are related to the concept of an interference pattern. Coherence phenomena are indeed complex, and ambiguous definitions may spawn confusion. By describing the many definitions and contexts for coherence in the molecular sciences, we aim to enhance understanding and communication in this broad and active area of chemistry.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)11641-11766
Number of pages126
JournalChemical reviews
Volume124
Issue number21
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 13 2024

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry

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