Abstract
A unified approach to Aharonov-Bohm, Aharonov-Casher and which-path experiments is presented, using an enlarged Hilbert space. This Hilbert space contains quasi-periodic Aharonov-Bohm wavefunctions R(x+2) = R(x)exp(i) with various values of . Thus it can describe which-path Aharonov-Bohm experiments where the phase is uncertain due to decoherence that occurs as a result of the observation of the paths of the electric charges. The same Hilbert space contains quasi-periodic Aharonov-Casher wavefunctions which describe magnetic flux tubes winding around an electric charge and which are related through a Fourier transform to the Aharonov-Bohm wavefunctions. The duality between these two phenomena is discussed. The decoherence occuring in which-path experiments is studied quantitatively. Magnetic and electric superselection rules, appropriate for the Aharonov-Bohm and Aharonov-Casher experiments correspondingly, are also discussed.
Published Version
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