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Aharonov-Bohm effect

The Aharonov-Bohm effect is a quantum mechanical phenomenon that demonstrates the presence of a non-local effect in quantum mechanics. The effect was first described by Yakir Aharonov and David Bohm in 1959 and is one of the earliest examples of quantum non-locality.

The Aharonov-Bohm effect is based on the idea that a quantum particle, such as an electron, can be influenced by a magnetic field even if it never passes through the region where the magnetic field is present. This is because the magnetic field can affect the phase of the wave function of the particle, even if the particle never enters the region where the magnetic field is present.

In a typical demonstration of the Aharonov-Bohm effect, a charged particle, such as an electron, is sent through a region with a magnetic field that is confined to a region inside a solenoid. The solenoid is shaped like a cylinder, with a hollow core, and is surrounded by a conducting shell that blocks the magnetic field from leaking out. The electron never enters the region inside the solenoid where the magnetic field is present, but it is still influenced by the magnetic field.

The Aharonov-Bohm effect has important implications for our understanding of quantum mechanics and the nature of quantum non-locality. It shows that the quantum state of a particle can be influenced by distant events, and it provides a demonstration of quantum non-locality that is not dependent on the collapse of the wave function or the observer effect.

Today, the Aharonov-Bohm effect is still an active area of research and continues to provide important insights into the nature of quantum mechanics, School Analytics and the fundamental nature of reality.