Geometric phase from Aharonov-Bohm to Pancharatnam-Berry and beyond

TL;DR

This review explores the concept of geometric phase in quantum systems, tracing its historical development from Aharonov-Bohm to Berry phases, and highlighting its broad applications across physics and quantum information.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the mathematical methods, experimental techniques, and recent developments related to geometric phase in various physical contexts.

Findings

Geometric phase is fundamental in quantum mechanics and various physical systems.

Recent experimental techniques have advanced the study of geometric phase in optics and condensed matter.

The geometric phase has significant implications for quantum information and computation.

Abstract

Whenever a quantum system undergoes a cycle governed by a slow change of parameters, it acquires a phase factor: the geometric phase. Its most common formulations are known as the Aharonov-Bohm, Pancharatnam and Berry phases, but both prior and later manifestations exist. Though traditionally attributed to the foundations of quantum mechanics, the geometric phase has been generalized and became increasingly influential in many areas from condensed-matter physics and optics to high energy and particle physics and from fluid mechanics to gravity and cosmology. Interestingly, the geometric phase also offers unique opportunities for quantum information and computation. In this Review we first introduce the Aharonov-Bohm effect as an important realization of the geometric phase. Then we discuss in detail the broader meaning, consequences and realizations of the geometric phase emphasizing the most important mathematical methods and experimental techniques used in the study of geometric phase, in particular those related to recent works in optics and condensed-matter physics.