VEER CHAND RAKHECHA* and APOORVA G WAGH⁺

Solid State Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085, India

Email:* vcr@apsara.barc.ernet.in;   ⁺ nintsspd@magnum.barc.ernet.in

Abstract.

We present an overview of polarized neutron experiments observing SU(2) phases. The first experimental separation of geometric and dynamical phases, the explicit verification of Pauli anticommutation and the first observation of interference amplitudes and phases in noncyclic evolutions are described. These experiments elucidate the physics of phases and phase jumps propounded by the Pancharatnam connection.

Keywords:  Spinor; SU(2) phase; Pancharatnam phase; geometric phase; dynamical phase; noncyclic phase; neutron interferometry; neutron polarimetry.

Pacs Nos. 03.65 Bz; 03.75 Dg; 42.25.Hz; 42.25.Ja