Concerning the Quantum Interference Effects Associated with Electric and Magnetic Potentials [Letter Submitted to the Editor, Physics Today]

TL;DR

This paper discusses the historical and conceptual distinctions between the magnetic and electric quantum interference effects, advocating for clearer terminology to attribute the effects correctly to Ehrenberg-Siday and Aharonov-Bohm.

Contribution

The paper clarifies the historical attribution of quantum interference effects, proposing specific terminology to distinguish between magnetic and electric potentials effects.

Findings

Ehrenberg and Siday's work predates Aharonov and Bohm on magnetic effects.

The essential content of the two studies is identical.

The paper recommends terminology changes for clarity.

Abstract

The magnetic version of the effects commonly attributed to Aharonov and Bohm had been published ten years earlier by Ehrenberg and Siday. We compare the two articles, and conclude that their essential contents are identical. We therefore advocate that the magnetic effect be referred to as the Ehrenberg-Siday Effect, and that the term Aharonov-Bohm Effect be reserved for the electrical case.