On Detecting Discrete Cheshire Charge

Abstract

We analyze the charges carried by loops of string in models with non-abelian local discrete symmetry. The charge on a loop has no localized source, but can be detected by means of the Aharonov--Bohm interaction of the loop with another string. We describe the process of charge detection, and the transfer of charge between point particles and string loops, in terms of gauge--invariant correlation functions.