Aharonov-Bohm effect

noun

Aha·ro·nov-Bohm effect ˌä-hä-ˈrō-ˌnȯv-ˈbōm-

physics

: the correlation between the interference (see interference sense 3) pattern of a beam of electrons that has been split and subsequently recombined and a magnetic field that the beams bypassed while separated

Note: A beam of electrons can be separated and sent on two paths around the outside of an area that contains a magnetic field. The paths are recombined after passing the magnetic field. The recombined beam will display an interference pattern (from the interaction of the two paths) that is linked to the nature of the magnetic field that the paths went past, even though they did not pass directly through it. The relationship between the interference pattern and the magnetic field is called the Aharonov-Bohm effect.

Word History

Etymology

after Yakir Aharonov *1932 Israeli physicist & David Bohm †1992 American-born British physicist

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Aharonov-Bohm effect was in 1961

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Aharonov-Bohm effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Aharonov-Bohm%20effect. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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