The geometric phase in molecular systems

Abstract

The fundamental theory of the geometric phase is summarized in a way suitable for use in molecular systems treated by the Born-Oppenheimer approach. Both Abelian and non-Abelian cases are considered. Applications discussd include the Abelian geometric phase associated with an intersection of two electronic potential-energy surfaces; screening of nuclei by the electrons from an external magnetic field; non-Abelian gauge potentials in molecular systems with Kramers degeneracy; and the coupling between different electronic levels (Born-Oppenheimer breakdown) represented as a gauge potential. Experimental tests for these systems are discussed, as well as a number of experiments on spin systems.