Self-Organized Criticality and Quantum Coherence in Tubulin Networks Under the Orch-OR Theory

A theoretical model proposes that tubulin dimers in neuronal microtubules can achieve collective quantum coherence, leading to wavefunction collapses that manifest as avalanches within a self-organized criticality framework. Inspired by Orchestrated Objective Reduction (Orch-OR) theory, the model suggests that microtubule subunits become transiently entangled via dipole-dipole couplings, forming coherent domains that undergo sudden self-collapse. Using a network of tubulin-like nodes with scale-free connectivity, the system exhibits power-law avalanches near criticality, identified with quantum wavefunction collapse events. Estimated objective reduction times fall in the 10–200 ms range, consistent with Orch-OR conscious moment timescales, suggesting a bridge between sub-neuronal quantum processes and large-scale neural activity.

Study at a glance

Abstract

We present a theoretical model to explain how tubulin dimers in neuronal microtubules might achieve collective quantum coherence, resulting in wavefunction collapses that manifest as avalanches within a self-organized criticality (SOC) framework. Using the Orchestrated Objective Reduction (Orch-OR) theory as inspiration, we propose that microtubule subunits (tubulins) become transiently entangled via dipole–dipole couplings, forming coherent domains susceptible to sudden self-collapse. We model a network of tubulin-like nodes with scale-free (Barabási–Albert) connectivity, each evolving via local coupling and stochastic noise. Near criticality, the system exhibits power-law avalanches—abrupt collective state changes that we identify with instantaneous quantum wavefunction collapse events. Using the Diósi–Penrose gravitational self-energy formula, we estimate objective reduction times TOR=ℏ/Eg for these events in the 10–200 ms range, consistent with the Orch-OR conscious moment timescale. Our results demonstrate that quantum coherence at the tubulin level can be amplified by scale-free critical dynamics, providing a possible bridge between sub-neuronal quantum processes and large-scale neural activity.