Quantum Transport in Finite Graded-Coupling Networks: An Exploratory Computational Retrospective

This preprint presents an exploratory computational investigation of quantum transport in finite networks with spatially varying coupling strengths, conducted as part of Gravity Lab, an independent, AI-assisted physics research program. The study examines how abrupt and graded coupling boundaries influence excitation transport, localization, and signal transmission. Numerical experiments compare different coupling profiles, investigate robustness under controlled disorder, and explore the effects of dephasing and coherence on transport behavior. The reported simulations identify conditions under which graded coupling profiles improve selected transport measures relative to abrupt boundaries. However, these improvements are dependent on the model, measurement metric, and noise assumptions. The results do not establish a universal transport advantage or demonstrate a new physical phenomenon. The paper also documents experimental limitations, incomplete hardware validation, negative results, and outstanding questions concerning the relationship between coherent transport and experimentally realizable quantum systems. The objective is to provide a transparent, reproducible account of the computational investigation and identify testable directions for subsequent research in quantum transport, engineered coupling networks, and quantum information science. Publication status: Preprint; not peer reviewed. Numerical findings are exploratory, and independent experimental confirmation remains outstanding.