Universal semiclassical equations based on the quantum metric

TL;DR

This paper develops semiclassical equations of motion for wavepackets in two-band systems using the quantum metric, unifying descriptions of adiabatic, anomalous Hall, and Zitterbewegung phenomena.

Contribution

It introduces a universal semiclassical framework based on the quantum metric, linking band geometry to wavepacket dynamics across different physical regimes.

Findings

Semiclassical equations match Schrödinger equation solutions.

Quantum metric determines wavepacket trajectories and size.

Universal length scale related to the quantum metric emerges.

Abstract

We derive semiclassical equations of motion for an accelerated wavepacket in a two-band system. We show that these equations can be formulated in terms of the static band geometry described by the quantum metric. We consider the specific cases of the Rashba Hamiltonian with and without a Zeeman term. The semiclassical trajectories are in full agreement with the ones found by solving the Schr\"odinger equation. This formalism successfully describes the adiabatic limit and the anomalous Hall effect traditionally attributed to Berry curvature. It also describes the opposite limit of coherent band superposition giving rise to a spatially oscillating Zitterbewegung motion. At $k=0$, such wavepacket exhibits a circular trajectory in real space, with its radius given by the square root of the quantum metric. This quantity appears as a universal length scale, providing a geometrical origin of the Compton wavelength.