Principles of Quantum Mechanics · Problem 21.11

Path Integrals—II — R. Shankar

Physics — Quantum Mechanics · path-integrals-aharonov-bohm

Problem

A particle moves in two dimensions in the presence of a thin solenoid carrying magnetic flux Φ\Phi at the origin. Using the path integral formulation, show that the propagator acquires a phase factor exp⁡(ieΦn/ℏc)\exp(ie\Phi n / \hbar c) where nn is the winding number of the path around the solenoid. Explain how this leads to the Aharonov-Bohm effect.

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