Decoherence Time of a Microtubule
Year: 2006
Type: preprint
Abstract: We formulate and study a quantum field theory of a microtubule, a basic element of living cells. Following the quantum theory of consciousness by Hameroff and Penrose, we let the system to make self-reductions, and measure the decoherence time $\\tau_N$ (the mean interval between two successive reductions) of a cluster consisting of more than $N$ neighboring cells (tubulins). $\\tau_N$ is interpreted as an instance of the stream of consciousness. For a sufficiently small electron hopping amplitude, $\\tau_N$ obeys an exponential law, $\\tau_N \\sim \\exp(c' N)$, and may take realistic values $\\tau_N $ \\raisebox{-0.5ex} {$\\stackrel{>}{\\sim}$} $ 10^{-2}$ sec for $N \\raisebox{-0.5ex} {$\\stackrel{>}{\\sim}$} 1100$.
Source: arXiv (Cornell University)
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2161040435