Abstract
We point out that local symmetries can masquerade as discrete global symmetries to an observer equipped with only low-energy probes. The existence of the underlying local gauge invariance can, however, result in observable Aharonov-Bohm-type effects. Black holes can therefore carry discrete gauge charges a form of nonclassical hair Neither black-hole evaporation, wormholes, nor anything else can violate discrete gauge symmetries. In supersymmetric unified theories such discrete symmetries can forbid proton-decay amplitudes that might otherwise be catastrophic.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1221-1223 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Physical Review Letters |
Volume | 62 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 1989 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Physics and Astronomy