On the role of potentials in the Aharonov-Bohm effect

TL;DR

This paper argues that the Aharonov-Bohm effect can be explained through local interactions of fields when sources are quantized, challenging the view that potentials are essential in quantum electromagnetism.

Contribution

It introduces a potential-free explanation of the Aharonov-Bohm effect by considering the quantum treatment of sources, emphasizing local field interactions.

Findings

Aharonov-Bohm effect explained without potentials

Local action of electron fields on sources accounts for the effect

Quantum wave function describes all systems collectively

Abstract

There is a consensus today that the the main lesson of the Aharonov-Bohm effect is that a picture of electromagnetism based on the local action of the field strengths is not possible in quantum mechanics. Contrary to this statement it is argued here that when the source of the electromagnetic potential is treated in the framework of quantum theory, the Aharonov-Bohm effect can be explained without the notion of potentials. It is explained by local action of the field of the electron on the source of the potential. The core of the Aharonov-Bohm effect is the same as the core of quantum entanglement: the quantum wave function describes all systems together.