Magnetic and electric Aharonov-Bohm effects in nanostructures

Abstract

The paper reviews and extends the magnetic Aharonov-Bohm effect (persistent current, resistance oscillation) in normal-metal rings including spin-independent and spin-dependent hopping, Zeeman splitting, magnetic textures and wheels, ring rotation and weak coupling, as well as the electric Aharonov-Bohm effect ("persistent charge") in small metallic contacts. We then discuss dynamical screening effects in a surface charge in a metal. Energy dissipation due to motion of the surface charge has a singularity at the velocity of motion equal to the phonon propagation velocity. Surface image of an external charge inside the metal is strongly distorted at the velocity of motion larger than the Fermi velocity.