How to Measure Berry Phase in a Magnetic Field?

In summary, the conversation discusses ways to measure a berry phase, which is a phenomenon that occurs in a particle system when subjected to an external magnetic field that takes a loop on the sphere. Ideas mentioned include splitting a particle beam, using an adiabatically changing potential, and conducting a double slit interference experiment with a current-carrying solenoid. References to D. J. Griffiths' intro to QM and the Feynman lectures are also provided as resources for further exploration.
  • #1
wdlang
307
0
i have no idea of how to measure a berry phase

take a 1/2 spin in an external magnetic field

it is well known that this system can exhibit berry phase if the external magnetic field B takes a loop on the sphere.

but how to measure the berry phase?

how to separate the berry phase from the dynamical phase?

anyone have any idea?
 
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  • #2
I'm looking at D. J. Griffiths' intro to QM. I regards to Berry's phase he says one could split a particle beam into two, have one part go through an adiabatically changing potential, and recombine the beams and measure the new wave function (definitely open-ended).

According to the Feynman lectures, you could do a double slit interference experiment with a current-carrying solenoid between the slits and screen. The solenoid will cause a phase difference in the particles, causing the interference pattern to shift on the screen.

Check out the Feynman Lectures Vol II 15-12. I'm not a great experimentalist, so the details are up to you.
 

1. What is the purpose of measuring berry phase?

The berry phase is a quantum mechanical phenomenon that describes the phase difference between two quantum states. It is important in the study of topological phases of matter and can be used to understand the behavior of particles in materials with nontrivial topology. Measuring the berry phase can provide valuable insights into the properties and behavior of these materials.

2. How is berry phase measured?

Berry phase is typically measured using interferometry techniques, such as the Berry phase interferometer. This involves preparing a quantum state and then subjecting it to a controlled evolution, after which the state is brought back to its original state. The berry phase can then be extracted from the resulting interference pattern.

3. What materials can exhibit berry phase?

Berry phase can be observed in a variety of materials, including topological insulators, superconductors, and semiconductors. These materials have specific band structures that give rise to nontrivial berry phases.

4. What factors can affect the measurement of berry phase?

The measurement of berry phase can be affected by various factors, such as external magnetic fields, temperature, and defects in the material. These factors can alter the band structure and therefore change the berry phase that is observed.

5. How is berry phase related to other quantum phenomena?

Berry phase is closely related to other quantum phenomena, such as the Aharonov-Bohm effect and the geometric phase. These phenomena all describe the behavior of quantum systems in the presence of external fields or during controlled evolution. Understanding the relationship between these phenomena can provide a deeper understanding of quantum mechanics.

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