Schroedinger representation of quantum mechanics, Berry connection, and superconductivity

Abstract

The standard quantum mechanical electronic state calculations for molecules and solids uses the Schroedinger representation where the momentum conjugate to the coordinate $q_r$ is given by $-hbar {partial over {partial q_r}}$. This formalism contains an extra $U(1)$ phase degree-of-freedom. We show that it can be regarded as a Berry phase arising from many-electron interaction, and when it is non-trivial, it gives rise to a current carrying ground state identified as the superconducting ground state. The connection between this superconducting state and the BCS one is presented.