Quantum coherent propagation of complex molecules through the frustule of the alga Amphipleura pellucida

Recent advances in the manipulation of molecules now allow us to also probe nanoporous silified biomaterials. We demonstrate the quantum coherent propagation of phthalocyanine through the skeleton of the alga Amphipleura pellucida. A micro-focused laser source prepares a molecular beam which is sufficiently delocalized to be coherently transmitted through the alga's frustule-in spite of the substantial dispersive interaction between each molecule and the nanomembrane.