Vector Potential and Berry phase-induced Force

Abstract

We present a general theoretical framework for the exact treatment of a hybrid system that is composed of a quantum subsystem and a classical subsystem. When the quantum subsystem is dynamically fast and the classical subsystem is slow, a vector potential is generated with a simple canonical transformation. This vector potential, on one hand, gives rise to the familiar Berry phase in the fast quantum dynamics; on the other hand, it yields a Lorentz-like force in the slow classical dynamics. In this way, the pure phase (Berry phase) of a wavefunction is linked to a physical force.