Universal One-Way Light Speed from a Universal Light Speed Over Closed Paths

This paper gives two complete and elementary proofs that if the speed of light over closed paths has a universal value c, then it is possible to synchronize clocks in such a way that the one-way speed of light is c. The first proof is an elementary version of a recent proof. The second provides high precision experimental evidence that it is possible to synchronize clocks in such a way that the one-way speed of light has a universal value. We also discuss an old incomplete proof by Weyl which is important from an historical perspective.     

On the Conventionality of Simultaneity

Starting from the experimental fact that light propagates over a closed path at speed c (L/c law), we show to what extent the isotropy of the speed of light can be considered a matter of convention. We prove the consistence of anisotropic and inhomogeneous conventions, limiting the allowed possibilities. All conventions lead to the same physical theory even if its formulation can change in form. The mathematics involved is that of gauge theories and the choice of a simultaneity convention is interpreted as a choice of the gauge. Moreover, we prove that a Euclidean space where the L/c law holds, gives rise to a spacetime with Minkowskian causal structure, and we exploit the consequences for the causal approach to the conventionality of simultaneity.     

On the Fizeau Experiment

Transformations of space and time, depending on a synchronisation parameter e ₁, indicate the existence of a privileged inertial system S ₀. The Lorentz transformations are obtained for a particular e ₁0. No classical experiment on relativity is expected to depend on the choice of e ₁. We show, consistently with expectations, that the result of the Fizeau experiment is explained equally well by theories adopting different values of e ₁. In previous papers we showed that if accelerated reference frames are considered only e ₁=0 remains possible.     

The International Atomic Time and the Velocity of Light

Atomic clocks distributed around the world communicate with one another by means of radio signals. The synchronization signals sent by a transmitting station always reach the receiving station on time, at any hour of the day and in any season, despite the motion of the Earth. For some authors this means that these signals propagate isotropically (with one way velocity c), even with respect to the Earth's surface. In fact this may not be so; we show that the proper working of the network says nothing about the one-way velocity, as it is consistent with another theory, empirically (almost) equivalent to special relativity, in which the one-way speed of light has a directional dependence in moving frames.     

On the Anistropy of the Speed of Light on a Rotating Platform

The paper discusses a recently posed paradox in relativity concerning the speed of light as measured by an observer on board a rotating turn-table. The counter-intuitive problem put forward by F. Selleri concerns the theoretical prediction of an anisotropy in the speed of light in a reference frame comoving with the edge of a rotatiing disc even in the limit of zero acceleration. The paradox not only challenges the internal consistency of the special relativity theory but also undermines the basic tenet of the conventionality of simultaneity thesis of relativity. The present paper resolves the issue in a novel way by recasting the original paradox in the Galilean world and thereby revealing, in a subtle way, the weak points of the reasonings leading to the fallacy. As a background the standard and the non-standard synchronies in the relativistic as well as in the Galilean world are discussed. In passing, this novel approach also clarifies (contrary to often made assertions in the literature) that the so-called desynchronization of clocks cannot be regarded as the root cause of the Sagnac effect. Finally in spite of the flaw in the reasonings leading to the paradox Selleri's observation regarding the superiority of the absolute synchrony over the standard one for a rotation observer has been upheld.     

Note on Clock Synchronization and Edwards Transformations

Edwards transformations relating inertial frames with arbitrary clock synchronization are reviewed and put in more general setting. Their group-theoretical context is described.     

Noninvariant one-way velocity of light and particle collisions

Recently published space-time transformations between inertial systems (different from the Lorentz transformations) are reviewed. Energy and momentum are defined consistently with these new transformation laws. Formally they equal the usual relativistic expressions only in the privileged frame, but numerically they do so in all inertial frames. All the precise experimental data concerning thresholds for inelastic processes, particle masses, and so on, can thus be explained also within this new theoretical framework.     

Spatial measures in special relativity do not empirically determine simultaneity relations: A reply to Coleman and Korté

Coleman and Korté have restated and defended an earlier attempt to refute the traditional thesis of the conventionality of simultaneity within special relativity. Here we argue their attempt still fails and respond to criticisms of a paper in which we addressed the inadequacies of their earlier paper. The spatial criterion they use to argue for standard synchronization throughout an inertial frame is merely a definition and provides no demonstration that a unique distant simultaneity relation exists in nature.     

Noninertial Observers in Special Relativity and Clock Synchronization Debates

Selleri's arguments that a consideration of noninertial reference frames in the framework of special relativity identify “absolute simultaneity” as being “Nature's choice of synchronization” are considered. In the case of rectilinearly accelerating rockets, it is argued by considering two rockets which maintain a fixed proper separation rather than a fixed separation relative to the inertial frame in which they start from rest, that what seems the most “natural” choice for a simultaneity convention is problem-dependent and that Einstein's definition is the most “natural” (though still conventional) choice in this case. In addition, the supposed problems special relativity has with treating a rotating disk, namely how a pulse of light traveling around the circumference of the disk can have a local speed of light equal to c everywhere but a global speed not equal to c, and how coordinate transformations to the disk can give the Lorentz transformations in the limit of large disk radius but small angular velocity, are addressed. It is shown that the theory of Fermi frames solves both of these problems. It is also argued that the question of defining simultaneity relative to a uniformly rotating disk does not need to be resolved in order to resolve Ehrenfest's paradox.     

A modified Lorentz theory as a test theory of special relativity

A modified Lorentz theory (MLT) based on the generalized Galilean transformation has recently received attention. In the framework of MLT, some explicit formulas dealing with the one-way velocity of light, slow-clock transport and the Doppler effect are derived in this paper. Several typical experiments are analyzed on this basis. The results show that the empirical equivalence between MLT and special relativity is still maintained to second order terms. We confirm recent findings of other works that predict the MLT might be distinguished from special relativity at the third order by Doppler centrifuge experiments capable of a fractional frequency detection threshold of 10^–15.     

Geometric Simultaneity and the Continuity of Special Relativity

In this note I briefly discuss some aspects of relative geometric simultaneity in special relativity. After saying a few words about the status and nature of Minkowski spacetime in special relativity, I recall a uniqueness result due to David Malament concerning simultaneity relative to an inertial worldline and an extension of it due to Mark Hogarth and I prove an extension of it for simultaneity relative to an inertial frame in time-oriented spacetimes. Then I point out that the uniqueness results do not generalise to definitions of simultaneity relative to the rotating disk. Finally, I evaluate some recent claims of Selleri in the light of the results. Whilst some of his claims are supported by the approach taken here, the conclusion he draws from these claims, that special relativity harbours a discontinuity and so stands in need of replacement, does not follow and is rejected.     

Superluminal Signals and the Resolution of the Causal Paradox

The experimental evidence for electromagnetic signals propagating with superluminal group velocity is recalled. Transformations of space and time depending on a synchronization parameter, e₁, indicate the existence of a privileged inertial system. The Lorentz transformations are obtained for a particular e₁≠0. No standard experiment on relativity depends on e₁, but if accelerations are considered only e₁=0 remains possible. The causal paradox generated by superluminal signals (SLS) in the theory of relativity does not exist in the theory with e₁=0. The irrelevance of SLS for the Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen paradox is pointed out.     

Synchronization Gauges and the Principles of Special Relativity

The axiomatic bases of Special Relativity Theory (SRT) are thoroughly re-examined from an operational point of view, with particular emphasis on the status of Einstein synchronization in the light of the possibility of arbitrary synchronization procedures in inertial reference frames. Once correctly and explicitly phrased, the principles of SRT allow for a wide range of theories that differ from the standard SRT only for the difference in the chosen synchronization procedures, but are wholly equivalent to SRT in predicting empirical facts. This results in the introduction, in the full background of SRT, of a suitable synchronization gauge. A complete hierarchy of synchronization gauges is introduced and elucidated, ranging from the useful Selleri synchronization gauge (which should lead, according to Selleri, to a multiplicity of theories alternative to SRT) to the more general Mansouri–Sexl synchronization gauge and, finally, to the even more general Anderson–Vetharaniam–Stedmans synchronization gauge. It is showed that all these gauges do not challenge the SRT, as claimed by Selleri, but simply lead to a number of formalisms which leave the geometrical structure of Minkowski spacetime unchanged. Several aspects of fundamental and applied interest related to the conventional aspect of the synchronization choice are discussed, encompassing the issue of the one-way velocity of light in inertial and rotating reference frames, the global positioning system (GPS)s working, and the recasting of Maxwell equations in generic synchronizations. Finally, it is showed how the gauge freedom introduced in SRT can be exploited in order to give a clear explanation of the Sagnac effect for counter-propagating matter beams.     

Non-standard clock synchronization in special relativity and the hypothetical ether frame

Assuming an Einsteinian world, formulae are given for achieving non-standard clock synchronization by various methods. It is shown that synchronization in one inertial frame simultaneously gives the same synchronization relative to all other frames. Absolute synchronization is not unique, and considerations of synchronization cannot distinguish an ether frame. In any world, synchronization with tachyons would produce the same results as other methods.     

Conventionality of Simultaneity and the Tippe Top Paradox in Relativity

In this paper we critically examine a recently posed paradox (tippe top paradox in relativity) and its suggested resolution. A tippe top when spun on a table, tips over after a few rotations and eventually stands spinning on its stem. The ability of the top to demonstrate this charming feat depends on its geometry (all tops are not tippe tops). To a rocket-bound observer the top geometry should change because of the Lorentz contraction. This gives rise to the possibility that for a sufficiently fast observer the geometry of the top may get altered to such an extent that the top may not tip over! This is certainly paradoxical since a mere change of the observer cannot alter the fact that the top tips over on the table. In an effort to resolve the issue the authors of the paradox compare the equations of motion of the particles of the top from the perspective of the inertial frames of the rocket and the table and observe among other things that (1) the relativity of simultaneity plays an essential role in resolving the paradox and (2) the puzzle in some way is connected with one of the corrolaries of special relativity that the notion of rigidity is inconsistent with the theory. We show here that the question of the incompatibility of the notion of rigidity with special relativity has nothing to do with the current paradox and the role of the lack of synchronization of clocks in the context of the paradox is grossly over-emphasized. The conventionality of simultaneity of special relativity and the notion of the standard (Einstein) synchrony in the Galilean world have been used to throw light on some subtle issues concerning the paradox.     

The Strange Story of the Concept which Inaugurated Modern Theoretical Physics

The strange Story of the Concept which inaugurated Modern Theoretical Physics is the title of a lecture which I delivered on the invitation of Professor Franco Selleri at the University of Bari about 20 years ago. Since Professor Selleri himself has written several interesting papers on this concept and since the centennial of the birth of modern theoretical physics will be celebrated soon, I found it appropriate to dedicate this essay, containing so far unpublished critical and historical comments on this concept, to Professor Selleri on the occasion of his 70th birthday. It should be emphasized that the critical comments in this essay are not intended to question the validity of the theory initiated by this concept, a theory which in the realm of its applicability is daily corroborated by numerous experiments in high-energy laboratories all over the world. Although these critical remarks refer almost exclusively to the first publication of this theory, a publication which has been hailed as the most important paper written in the 20th century, they discuss profound problems of general importance for the study of the foundations of physics.     

基于狭义相对论的同时性对长度收缩佯谬的认识

利用狭义相对论对同时性的理解,指出了关于一种长度收缩佯谬解释的不妥之处,并解释了改进后的关于长度收缩佯谬的提法,证明了在不同参照系上的观测者观测所得到的结论相同.     

MÄRZKE-WHEELER COORDINATES FOR ACCELERATED OBSERVERS IN SPECIAL RELATIVITY

In special relativity, the definition of coordinate systems adapted to generic accelerated observers is a long-standing problem, which has found unequivocal solutions only for the simplest motions. We show that the Märzke-Wheeler construction, an extension of the Einstein synchronization convention, produces accelerated systems of coordinates with desirable properties: (a) they reduce to Lorentz coordinates in a neighborhood of the observers' world-lines; (b) they index continuously and completely the causal envelope of the world-line (that is, the intersection of its causal past and its causal future: for well-behaved world-lines, the entire space-time). In particular, Märzke-Wheeler coordinates provide a smooth and consistent foliation of the causal envelope of any accelerated observer into space-like surfaces.We compare the Märzke-Wheeler procedure with other definitions of accelerated coordinates; we examine it in the special case of stationary motions, and we provide explicit coordinate transformations for uniformly accelerated and uniformly rotating observers. Finally, we employ the notion of Märzke-Wheeler simultaneity to clarify the relativistic paradox of the twins, by pinpointing the local origin of differential aging.     

基于同时的相对性对钟慢尺缩效应的再认识

同时的相对性、钟慢效应和尺缩效应是狭义相对论时空观的主要内容.鉴于同时性是时空测量的基础,本文从同时的相对性出发详述了对钟慢效应和尺缩效应的再认识:钟慢效应是运动时钟走时率变慢和校表问题的综合表现,其实质是同时的相对性在时间量度上的直接反映;尺缩效应的实质是同时的相对性在空间量度上的反映,也是不同观测者对同一客观事实的不同时空描述.