Geometric Phase in Optics

Abstract

Abstract A detailed critique on the classical and quantum descriptions of the geometrical phase in optics is presented. It is argued that both explanations are inadequate to understand the origin of the geometric phases. Significance of Byrne's analysis for describing the Pancharatnam phase in pointed out. A physical mechanism for the geometrical phase based on the angular momentum transfer is proposed, and a tentative approach utilising the gauge non-invariant angular momentum is suggested.