Testing spatial noncommutativiy via the Aharonov-Bohm effect

The possibility of detecting noncommutative space relics is analyzed using the Aharonov-Bohm effect. We show that, if space is noncommutative, the holonomy receives non-trivial kinematical corrections that will produce a diffraction pattern even when the magnetic flux is quantized. The scattering problem is also formulated, and the differential cross section is calculated. Our results can be extrapolated to high energy physics and the bound $\theta \sim [ 10 {TeV}]^{-2}$ is found. If this bound holds, then noncommutative effects could be explored in scattering experiments measuring differential cross sections for small angles. The bound state Aharonov- Bohm effect is also discussed.Comment: 16 pp, Revtex 4, 2 fig, new references added. To appear in PR

Non-Commutative Quantum Mechanics

A general non-commutative quantum mechanical system in a central potential $V=V(r)$ in two dimensions is considered. The spectrum is bounded from below and for large values of the anticommutative parameter $\theta$, we find an explicit expression for the eigenvalues. In fact, any quantum mechanical system with these characteristics is equivalent to a commutative one in such a way that the interaction $V(r)$ is replaced by $V = V ({\hat H}_{HO}, {\hat L}_z)$, where ${\hat H}_{HO}$ is the hamiltonian of the two-dimensional harmonic oscillator and ${\hat L}_z$ is z- component of the angular momentum. For other finite values of $\theta$ the model can be solved by using perturbation theory.Comment: Minors corrections and some references removed. To appear in PR