Topological Factors Derived from Bohmian Mechanics

AbstractWe derive for Bohmian mechanics topological factors for quantum systems with a multiply-connected configuration space $$ \mathcal{Q}. $$ These include nonabelian factors corresponding to what we call holonomy-twisted representations of the fundamental group of $$ \mathcal{Q}. $$ We employ wave functions on the universal covering space of $$ \mathcal{Q}. $$ As a byproduct of our analysis, we obtain an explanation, within the framework of Bohmian mechanics, of the fact that the wave function of a system of identical particles is either symmetric or anti-symmetric.Communicated by Yosi Avron

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