Geometric Phases for Three State Systems

Abstract

The adiabatic geometric phases for general three state systems are discussed. An explicit parameterization for space of states of these systems is given. The abelian and non-abelian connection one-forms or vector potentials that would appear in a three dimensional quantum system with adiabatic characteristics are given explicitly. This is done in terms of the Euler angle parameterization of SU(3) which enables a straight-forward calculation of these quantities and its immediate generalization.