Classical Analog to Topological Nonlocal Quantum Interference Effects

The two main features of the Aharonov-Bohm effect are the topological dependence of accumulated phase on the winding number around the magnetic fluxon, and nonlocality—local observations at any intermediate point along the trajectories are not affected by the fluxon. The latter property is usually regarded as exclusive to quantum mechanics. Here we show that both the topological and nonlocal features of the Aharonov-Bohm effect can be manifested in a classical model that incorporates random noise. The model also suggests new types of multiparticle topological nonlocal effects which have no quantum analog.