Non-Abelian geometric phases in periodically driven systems

Abstract

We consider a periodically driven quantum system described by a Hamiltonian which is the product of a slowly varying Hermitian operator $V(\mathbit{\ensuremath{\lambda}}\left(t\right))$ and a dimensionless periodic function with zero average. We demonstrate that the adiabatic evolution of the system within a fully degenerate Floquet band is accompanied by non-Abelian (noncommuting) geometric phases appearing when the slowly varying parameter $\mathbit{\ensuremath{\lambda}}=\mathbit{\ensuremath{\lambda}}\left(t\right)$ completes a closed loop. The geometric phases can have significant values even after completing a single cycle of the slow variable. Furthermore, there are no dynamical phases masking the non-Abelian Floquet geometric phases, as the former average to zero over an oscillation period. This can be used to precisely control the evolution of quantum systems, in particular for performing qubit operations. The general formalism is illustrated by analyzing a spin in an oscillating magnetic field with arbitrary strength and a slowly changing direction.