Global effects due to cosmic defects in Kaluza-Klein theory - art. no. 107504.

Using Kaluza-Klein theory we study the quantum mechanics of a scalar partic le in the background of a magnetic cosmic string and in the background of a chiral cosmic string. We show that the wave functions, the phase shifts, a nd scattering amplitudes associated with the particle depend on the global features of those spacetimes. These dependences represent gravitational ana logues of the well-known Aharonov-Bohm effect. In addition, we discuss the Landau levels in the presence of a cosmic string in the framework of Kaluza -Klein theory. [S0556-2821(99)03610-3].