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Aharonov-Bohm Effect: The Principle Behind the Interaction of Electrons with Electromagnetic Fields

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Electron Holography

Part of the book series: Springer Series in Optical Sciences ((SSOS,volume 70))

Abstract

In 1959, Aharonov and Bohm presented a paper entitled “Significance of electromagnetic potentials in quantum theory” [6.1]. Its content can roughly be summarized as follows: In classical electrodynamics, potentials are merely a convenient mathematical tool for calculations concerning electromagnetic fields. The fundamental equations can always be formulated using these fields. However, in quantum mechanics, potentials cannot be eliminated from the Schrödinger equation and consequently seem to have physical significance. Aharonov and Bohm went beyond this conjecture and proposed actual electron-interference experiments. These experiments were intended to clarify how potentials affect electrons passing through field-free regions. The phenomenon these researchers described came to be called the Aharonov-Bohm (AB) effect in their honor.

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  1. Advanced Research Laboratory, Hitachi, Ltd., Hatoyama-cho, Hiki-gun, 350-03, Saitama, Japan

    Dr. Akira Tonomura

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  1. Dr. Akira Tonomura
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© 1999 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Tonomura, A. (1999). Aharonov-Bohm Effect: The Principle Behind the Interaction of Electrons with Electromagnetic Fields. In: Electron Holography. Springer Series in Optical Sciences, vol 70. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-37204-2_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-37204-2_6

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-08421-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-37204-2

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