Quantum dynamics of two-dimensional vortex pairs with arbitrary total vorticity

Quantum dynamics of a vortex pair is investigated by considering the pair Hamiltonian within various, unequivalent algebraic frameworks. First the vortex pair spectrum is constructed in the standard contest of the e(2)-like dynamical symmetry and its degeneracy is thoroughly examined. Then Berry's phase phenomenon is studied through an su(1,1) realization of the pair Hamiltonian when its parameters are assumed to be time dependent, whereas the Feynman-Onsager quantization conditions are recovered by means of symmetry arguments within a third approach based on a magneticlike description of the vortex pair. Finally, it is shown how recasting the dynamical algebra in terms of two-particle realizations of both su(2) and su(1,1) provides the correct approach for the quantization of the model Hamiltonian accounting for the pair scattering from a disklike obstacle. [S0163-1829(99)09109-2].