The Aharonov-Bohm effect: A quantum or a relativistic phenomenon?

Abstract

The Aharonov-Bohm effect is considered by most authors as a quantum effect, but a generally accepted explanation does not seem to be available. The phenomenon is studied here under the assumption that hypothetical electric dipole distributions configured by moving charges in the solenoid act on the electrons as test particles. The relative motions of the interacting charged particles introduce relativistic time dilations. The massless dipoles are postulated as part of an impact model that has recently been proposed to account for the far-reaching electrostatic forces between charged particles described by Coulomb's law. The model provides a quantitative explanation of the Aharonov-Bohm effect.