Quantum Coherence in Neural Microtubules: A Unified, Empirically Grounded, and Testable Framework for Gamma Oscillation Precision

Anthony Leon Perry

No 43qre_v2, OSF Preprints from Center for Open Science

Abstract: Gamma-band oscillations (30-100 Hz) exhibit timing precision that challenges strictly classical accounts of neural synchronization. This manuscript presents a unified the- oretical framework proposing that quantum coherence in neural microtubules may serve as a modulatory mechanism to enhance gamma oscillation precision. We provide: (1) rigorous, step-by-step decoherence derivations constrained by thermal, electromagnetic, and mechanical channels; (2) empirically grounded parameters derived from microtubule electromagnetic oscillations and tryptophan superradiance experiments; (3) a conservative quantum-classical coupling mechanism that modulates pyramidal-interneuron network gamma (PING) and interneuron network gamma (ING) precision through weak electromagnetic fields (∼nT); (4) complete experimental designs integrating nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center quantum sensing with high-density electrophysiology; and (5) computational validation pipelines us- ing finite element modeling and stochastic simulations. We formalize the Perry Constant (κ ≈ 1.7±0.3 ms−1) as a proposed quantitative bridge linking coherence factor to precision enhancement. Our framework generates four primary testable predictions: measurable coherence-precision correlations (r >0.3), quantum-consistent temperature scaling (Tc ≈ 12 ± 3 K), resonance-selective electromagnetic eects (Q > 5 in 4060 Hz), and pharmacological selectivity for microtubule-targeting drugs. We transparently identify two major quantitative gaps in the initial framework: a ∼6 order-of-magnitude discrepancy between calculated eective coherence times (∼15 ns) and required functional timescales (∼ms), and an electric coupling energy (ΔV ≈ 3.2 μV) below ion channel threshold (∼4 mV). We then resolve these gaps through four physically justied mechanisms supported by novel simulations: (1) non-Markovian dynamics with structured spectral density extend coherence 10- 33× (to ∼165500 ns); (2) cooperative gating across ∼100 channels plus stochastic resonance amplication achieves ∼40% gating modulation; (3) lattice geometry simulation conrms collective decoherence scaling; and (4) phase-coherent accumulation over gamma cycles enables network-level detection (SNR ≈ 143). A revised PING network incorporating all mechanisms produces clear 40 Hz gamma locking (spike PLV = 0.74). Alternative classical explanations are systematically discussed and distinguished through quantum-specic signatures. This work represents a falsifiable, empirically testable contribution to quantum biology and neuroscience, avoiding speculative claims about consciousness generation while advancing our understanding of neural timing precision. Keywords: Quantum Coherence, Microtubules, Gamma Oscillations, Decoherence, Neural Precision, NV-Center Sensing, Quantum Biology, Perry Constant, Mathematical Modeling, Neuroscience

Date: 2026-03-21
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:osf:osfxxx:43qre_v2

DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/43qre_v2

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