Gerald Goldin

Predicting “Anyons”: Implications of History for Science

“Anyons” are quantum particles or excitations in two space dimensions whose exchange statistics can be intermediate between bosons and fermions. They are associated with surface phenomena in the presence of magnetic flux. Theoretical applications are numerous, and in 2020 experimentalists succeeded in creating anyonic excitations. Their prediction four decades earlier, which required fundamental changes in our understanding of quantum statistics, is often attributed exclusively and incorrectly to Frank Wilczek. I will outline the actual history, from predecessor ideas to the first clear, independent predictions in papers by Leinaas & Myrheim (1977) and Goldin, Menikoff, & Sharp (1980-81), followed by Wilczek’s 1982 articles and subsequent important group-theoretical insights by Goldin, Menikoff, & Sharp (1983, 1985). Then I shall discuss some wider implications for physics teaching, presentation to the public, and integrity in science. Why did such an easy concept elude physicists for so long? What then led to independent predictions within a short time of each other? What can we learn from this about science education? I shall conclude by addressing the painful implications of scientists’ and journalists’ systemic failure or refusal to accurately attribute scientific achievements – breaches of integrity occurring even when there is no dispute. The “anyon” case is not unique. The social consequences of such failure include non-recognition and career obstacles disproportionately hurting women, minorities, and scientists in developing countries, as well as intimidation and disillusionment of younger scientists.

XXXIX Workshop on Geometric Methods in Physics	19.06–25.06.2022
XI School on Geometry and Physics	27.06–1.07.2022

Event sponsored by:
University of Bialystok