sci.physics.electromag

The Aharanov-Bohm (A-B) effect is one of the most fascinating aspects of
electromagnetism. It is generally recognized as being a QED manifestation in
which the Magnetic Vector Potential "A" can influence the phase/trajectory
of moving charges even when the magnetic field associated with A is
COMPLETELY ABSENT at the charge's location.

In other words, even if a current-carrying solenoid is completely shielded,
(with ferrous materials, mu-metal or even -- presumably -- kryptonite or
scrith) toggling on and off the solenoid power will have a measurable effect
on nearby charges. This appears to me to be among the most egregious
examples of action-at-a-distance in EM.

The activities that I am aware of that attempt to verify this phenomenon
revolve around a double slit experiment. An electron beam is sent through
two slits in an opaque screen. On the opposite side of the screen -- and
between the slits is placed a magnetically shielded solenoid. Beyond the
solenoid is a target where the slit-diffracted beams impact -- forming an
interference pattern. When the solenoid is energized, the interference
pattern changes.

I am wondering if this is a QED phenomenon or a classical phenomenon that
may have been misinterpreted? Here is why.

Oleg Jefimenko (and others) have demonstrated the following:

1. An electric field cannot cause a magnetic field (Goodbye Displacement
Current.)
2. A magnetic field cannot cause an electric field (Goodbye Magnetic
Induction.) *gasp*
3. Both E fields and H fields are caused by charges and the motion of
charges.
4. The E field associated with a charge consists of the sum of three
components: an electrostatic field, an Electric field (Ek) associated with
charge velocity as a function of lightspeed, and a third Electric field
associated with an accelerating charge.
5. The Ek, or -- as it is called by Jefimenko -- the Electrokinetic field,
is the field that is responsible for the energy transfer that was previously
attributed to magnetic induction.
6. The Ek is equal to the negative rate of change of A with respect to time.
7. As the charge's velocity increases, the Ek magnitude increases
dramatically. The shape of the E field changes from omni-directional at low
speeds to an elliptical shape that is normal to the charge's path as the
charge's velocity approaches lightspeed.

It appears to me that the experimenters attempting to verify A-B have taken
extreme care to magnetically shield the solenoid. They have paid less
attention to electric shielding. A is a phenomenon associated with E, so
perfect magnetic shielding and less-than-perfect E shielding may not be
appropriate design choices.

It appears possible to me that the measured A-B effect is just an ignored
(or not understood) aspect of classical EM. I'd love to hear what others --
that are familiar with Jefimenko's work and also A-B --might think about
this suggestion?

Bill Miller