Monopole Gauge Fields and Quantum Potentials Induced by the Geometry in Simple Dynamical Systems

Abstract

A realistic analysis shows that constraining a quantum mechanical system produces the effective dynamics to be coupled withAbelian/non-Abelian gauge fieldsandquantum potentialsinduced by theintrinsicandextrinsic geometrical propertiesof the constraint's surface. This phenomenon is observable in the effective rotational motion of some simple polyatomic molecules. By considering specific examples it is shown that the effective Hamiltonians for the nuclear rotation of linear and symmetric top molecules are equivalent to that of a charged system moving in a background magnetic-monopole field. For spherical top molecules an explicit analytical expression of a non-Abelian monopole-like field is found. Quantum potentials are also relevant for the description of rotovibrational interactions.