The theory applies to any sufficiently complex quantum system and may give insights into building better quantum computers. Nothing is ever completely still on the molecular level, especially when quantum physics plays a role. A water droplet gleaming on a leaf may look motionless, but inside, over a sextillion molecules are vibrating nonstop. When Wolynes and Logan first posed the question of predicting the regularity or randomness of quantum motion, they tested their math against observations of vibrational motions in individual molecules. "You only have to know two things about a molecule to be able to analyze its quantum motion patterns," Wolynes said.
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