Quantum effects of electric fields and potentials on electron motion: an introduction to theoretical and practical aspects

In the so-called electric Aharonov-Bohm effect, a quantum interference pattern shift is produced when electrons move in an electric field-free region but, at the same time, under the presence of a time-dependent electric potential. Analogous fringe shifts are observed in interference experiments where electrons, travelling through an electrostatic field, suffer a classical lag effect produced by electric forces. Since these experiments are reported mainly in specialized journals, it could be rather difficult and time consuming for a student to attain a comprehensive overview of the subject. Therefore, particular attention has been addressed to reviewing the theory, to describing a couple of experiments and to the interpretation of the results. We believe that students can be suitably introduced to exploring the “paradoxical” aspects of the interaction of electrons with electric potentials and fields.