Abstract
The quantum physics of identical particles is embodiedin the connection between spin and statistics (the Pauli principle).For many decades it has been thought that this can be understood onlywith ideas from relativity and quantum field theory. But in fact itcan be understood in terms of ordinary few-body nonrelativisticquantum mechanics, if this is reformulated to take proper accountof the geometry of the indistinguishability of particles. This canbe made plausible by conjuring tricks with a belt. The ‘Pauli sign’ (-1)^2Semerges as a geometric phase factor.
24-08-2026