Electrons experience phase shifts due to electromagnetic potentials without magnetic fields
Aharonov–Bohm effect
Electrons experience phase shifts due to electromagnetic potentials without magnetic fields
The Aharonov-Bohm effect demonstrates that charged particles can be influenced by electromagnetic potentials even in regions where magnetic and electric fields are zero. This phenomenon highlights the fundamental role of potentials in quantum mechanics.
Example
In an experiment, electrons traveling around a solenoid with no magnetic field present still exhibit a phase shift, indicating the influence of the electromagnetic potential.
Remember this
Understanding this effect is crucial for advancing quantum mechanics and exploring the implications of potentials in physical theories.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related concepts
Meissner effect
Did you know magnets can disappear in cold metal?
Electron paramagnetic resonance
Why can't we see the invisible dance of electrons?
Double-slit experiment
Why does light sometimes behave like waves and other times like particles?
Schwinger limit
Can light itself create particles?
Copenhagen interpretation
Wavefunction collapse is fundamental
Dirac equation
Dirac equation implies existence of antimatter
Swipe through more Physics concepts
Open Pocket Polymath