SciPost Submission Page
The Prediction of Anyons: Its History and Wider Implications
by Gerald A. Goldin
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Submission summary
| Authors (as registered SciPost users): | Gerald Goldin |
| Submission information | |
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| Preprint Link: | scipost_202212_00045v1 (pdf) |
| Date accepted: | 2023-08-11 |
| Date submitted: | 2022-12-18 15:43 |
| Submitted by: | Goldin, Gerald |
| Submitted to: | SciPost Physics Proceedings |
| Proceedings issue: | 34th International Colloquium on Group Theoretical Methods in Physics (GROUP2022) |
| Ontological classification | |
|---|---|
| Academic field: | Physics |
| Specialties: |
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| Approach: | Theoretical |
Abstract
Prediction of “anyons,” often attributed exclusively to Wilczek, came first from Leinaas & Myrheim in 1977, and independently from Goldin, Menikoff, & Sharp in 1980-81. In 2020, experimentalists successfully created anyonic excitations. This paper discusses why the possibility of quantum particles in two-dimensional space with intermediate exchange statistics eluded physicists for so long after bosons and fermions were understood. The history suggests ideas for the preparation of future researchers. I conclude by addressing failures to attribute scientific achievements accurately, both inadvertent and intentional. Such practices disproportionately hurt women and minorities in physics.
Published as SciPost Phys. Proc. 14, 005 (2023)
Reports on this Submission
Report #1 by Anonymous (Referee 1) on 2023-1-22 (Invited Report)
- Cite as: Anonymous, Report on arXiv:scipost_202212_00045v1, delivered 2023-01-22, doi: 10.21468/SciPost.Report.6584
Report
In this paper, the author---who has vast experience and had made a major contribution to the area--- provides an excellent historical review on the discovery of anyons, including a complete list of bibliographical references. The author also expresses his personal view on the obstacles to attributing scientific achievements correctely, and suggests improvements in education which may help to diminish the occurence of these situations. I recomend the publication of the article in its present form.