Proper-Time Formulation of Relativistic Dynamics

It will be argued that Minkowski's implementation of distances is inconsistent. An alternative implementation will be proposed. In the new model the proper time of an object is taken as its fourth coordinate. Distances will be measured according to a four dimensional Euclidean metric. In the present approach mass is a constant of motion. A mass can therefore be ascribed to photons and neutrinos. Mechanics and dynamics will be reformulated in close correspondence with classical physics. Of particular interest is the equation of motion for the proper time momentum. In the classical limit it reduces to the classical law of conservation of (kinetic+potential) energy. In the relativistic limit it is similar to the conservation of energy of the theory of relativity. The conservation of proper time momentum allows for an alternative explanation for Compton scattering and pair annihilation. On the basis of the proper time formulation of electrodynamics also an alternative explanation will be offered for the spectra of hydrogenic atoms. The proper time formulation of gravitational dynamics leads to the correct predictions of gravitational time dilation, the deflection of light and the precession of the perihelia of planets. For this no curvature will be needed. That is, spacetime is flat everywhere, even in the presence of sources of gravitation. Some cosmological consequences will be discussed. The present approach gives a new notion to energy, antiparticles and the structure of spacetime. The contents of the present paper will have important implications for the foundations of physics in general.     

Measurement of the space–time interval between two events using the retarded and advanced times of each event with respect to a time-like world-line

Several recent studies have been devoted to investigating the limitations that standard quantum mechanics and/or quantum gravity might impose on the measurability of space–time observables. These analyses are often confined to the simplified context of 2D flat space–time and rely on a simple procedure for the measurement of space-like distances based on the exchange of light signals. We present a generalization of this measurement procedure applicable to all three types of space–time intervals between two events in space–times of any number of dimensions. We also present a preliminary account of an alternative measurement procedure that can be applied taking into account the gravitational field of the macroscopic measuring apparatus.     

Solution of Maxwell’s equations on a de Sitter background

The Maxwell equations for the electromagnetic potential, supplemented by the Lorenz gauge condition, are decoupled and solved exactly in de Sitter space–time studied in static spherical coordinates. There is no source besides the background. One component of the vector field is expressed, in its radial part, through the solution of a fourth-order ordinary differential equation obeying given initial conditions. The other components of the vector field are then found by acting with lower-order differential operators on the solution of the fourth-order equation (while the transverse part is decoupled and solved exactly from the beginning). The whole four-vector potential is eventually expressed through hypergeometric functions and spherical harmonics. Its radial part is plotted for given choices of initial conditions. We have thus completely succeeded in solving the homogeneous vector wave equation for Maxwell theory in the Lorenz gauge when a de Sitter space–time is considered, which is relevant both for inflationary cosmology and gravitational wave theory. The decoupling technique and analytic formulae and plots are completely original. This is an important step towards solving exactly the tensor wave equation in de Sitter space–time, which has important applications to the theory of gravitational waves about curved backgrounds.     

Selfdual spin 2 theory in a 2+1 dimensional (A)dS space–time

The lagrangian constraint analysis of the selfdual massive spin 2 theory in a 2+1 dimensional flat space–time and its extension to a curved one were performed. Demanding consistency of the degrees of freedom and causality in the model with gravitational interaction, gives rise to physical restrictions on non minimal coupling terms and background. Finally, a constant curvature scenario was explored, showing the existence of classes of forbidden mass values. Notorious aspects related with the construction of the reduced action and the one-particle exchange amplitude were mentioned.     

Infinite slabs and other weird plane symmetric space–times with constant positive density

We present the exact solution of Einstein’s equation corresponding to a static and plane symmetric distribution of matter with constant positive density located below z = 0. This solution depends essentially on two constants: the density ρ and a parameter κ. We show that these space–times finish down below at an inner singularity at finite depth. We show that for κ ≥ 0.3513 . . . the dominant energy condition is satisfied all over the space–time. We match this solution to the vacuum one and compute the external gravitational field in terms of slab’s parameters. Depending on the value of κ, these slabs can be attractive, repulsive or neutral. In the first case, the space–time also finishes up above at an empty repelling singular boundary. In the other cases, they turn out to be semi-infinite and asymptotically flat when z → ∞. We also find solutions consisting of joining an attractive slab and a repulsive one, and two neutral ones. We also discuss how to assemble a “gravitational capacitor” by inserting a slice of vacuum between two such slabs.     

Particle motion around tachyon monopole

Recently, Li and Liu have studied global monopole of tachyon in a four dimensional static space–time. We analyze the motion of massless and massive particles around tachyon monopole. Interestingly, for the bending of light rays due to tachyon monopole instead of getting angle of deficit we find angle of surplus. Also we find that the tachyon monopole exerts an attractive gravitational force towards matter.     

Could a real (not virtual) static observer exist outside a Schwarzschild black hole?

We considered the static spherically symmetric ensemble of observers, having finite bare mass and trying to measure geometrical and physical properties of the environmental static (Schwarzschild) space–time. The word “virtual” in the title means the test particle serving as an observer, and the “real” is the observer whose mass and its influences on the space–time metric cannot be neglected. It is shown that, using the photon rockets (which the mass together with the mass of their fuel is also taken into account) they can managed to keep themselves on the fixed value of radius. The process of diminishing the total bare mass up to zero lasts infinitely long time. It is important that the problem is solved self-consistently, i.e., with full account for the back reaction of both bare mass and radiation from rockets on the space–time geometry.     

Periodic relativity: basic framework of the theory

An alternative gravity theory is proposed which does not rely on Riemannian geometry and geodesic trajectories. The theory named periodic relativity (PR) does not use the weak field approximation and allows every two body system to deviate differently from the flat Minkowski metric. PR differs from general relativity (GR) in predictions of the proper time intervals of distant objects. PR proposes a definite connection between the proper time interval of an object and gravitational frequency shift of its constituent particles as the object travels through the gravitational field. PR is based on the dynamic weak equivalence principle which equates the gravitational mass with the relativistic mass. PR provides very accurate solutions for the Pioneer anomaly and the rotation curves of galaxies outside the framework of general relativity. PR satisfies Einstein’s field equations with respect to the three major GR tests within the solar system and with respect to the derivation of Friedmann equation in cosmology. This article defines the underlying framework of the theory.     

On Hot Bangs and the Arrow of Time in Relativistic Quantum Field Theory

 A recently proposed method for the characterization and analysis of local equilibrium states in relativistic quantum field theory is applied to a simple model. Within this model states are identified which are locally (but not globally) in thermal equilibrium and it is shown that their local thermal properties evolve according to macroscopic equations. The largest space–time regions in which local equilibrium states can exist are timelike cones. Thus, although the model does not describe dissipative effects, such states fix in a natural manner a time direction. Moreover, generically they determine a distinguished space–time point where a singularity in the temperature (a hot bang) must have occurred if local equilibrium prevailed thereafter. The results illustrate how the breaking of the time reflection symmetry at macroscopic scales manifests itself in a microscopic setting. Received: 17 January 2003 / Accepted: 5 March 2003 Published online: 17 April 2003 Communicated by H. Araki and K. Fredenhagen     

Regularized expression for the gravitational energy-momentum in teleparallel gravity and the principle of equivalence

The expression of the gravitational energy-momentum defined in the context of the teleparallel equivalent of general relativity is extended to an arbitrary set of real-valued tetrad fields, by adding a suitable reference space subtraction term. The characterization of tetrad fields as reference frames is addressed in the context of the Kerr space–time. It is also pointed out that Einstein’s version of the principle of equivalence does not preclude the existence of a definition for the gravitational energy-momentum density.     

Tachyonization of the ΛCDM cosmological model

In this work a tachyonization of the ΛCDM model for a spatially flat Friedmann–Robertson–Walker space–time is proposed. A tachyon field and a cosmological constant are considered as the sources of the gravitational field. Starting from a stability analysis and from the exact solutions for a standard tachyon field driven by a given potential, the search for a large set of cosmological models which contain the ΛCDM model is investigated. By the use of internal transformations two new kinds of tachyon fields are derived from the standard tachyon field, namely, a complementary and a phantom tachyon fields. Numerical solutions for the three kinds of tachyon fields are determined and it is shown that the standard and complementary tachyon fields reproduces the ΛCDM model as a limiting case. The standard tachyon field can also describe a transition from an accelerated to a decelerated regime, behaving as an inflationary field at early times and as a matter field at late times. The complementary tachyon field always behaves as a matter field. The phantom tachyon field is characterized by a rapid expansion where its energy density increases with time.     

Space–time inhomogeneity, anisotropy and gravitational collapse

We investigate the evolution of non-adiabatic collapse of a shear-free spherically symmetric stellar configuration with anisotropic stresses accompanied with radial heat flux. The collapse begins from a curvature singularity with infinite mass and size on an inhomogeneous space–time background. The collapse is found to proceed without formation of an even horizon to singularity when the collapsing configuration radiates all its mass energy. The impact of inhomogeneity on various parameters of the collapsing stellar configuration is examined in some specific space–time backgrounds.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">C</Emphasis>-field Cosmological Models with Variable <Emphasis Type="Italic">G</Emphasis> in FRW Space–Time

C-field cosmological models based on Hoyle-Narlikar theory with variable gravitational constant G in the frame work of FRW (Friedmann-Robertson-Walker) space–time for positive and negative curvatures are investigated. To get the deterministic solutions in terms of cosmic time t, we have assumed G=R ⁿ and discussed for n=−1, −2, R being scalar factor. In both the cases, creation field C increases with time, the gravitational constant G and matter density (ρ) decrease with time in the model (21). In the model (41) G decreases with time and matter density (ρ) is constant. The other physical aspects of the models are also discussed.     

On Diósi-Penrose Criterion of Gravity-Induced Quantum Collapse

It is shown that the Diósi-Penrose criterion of gravity-induced quantum collapse may be inconsistent with the discreteness of space–time, which is generally considered as an indispensable element in a complete theory of quantum gravity. Moreover, the analysis also suggests that the discreteness of space–time may result in rapider collapse of the superposition of energy eigenstates than required by the Diósi-Penrose criterion.     

Radial Quantization in Rotating Space–Times

We examine the time discontinuity in rotating space–times for which the topology of time is S¹. A kinematic restriction is enforced that requires the discontinuity to be an integral number of the periodicity of time. Quantized radii emerge for which the associated tangential velocities are less than the speed of light. Using the de Broglie relationship, we show that quantum theory may determine the periodicity of time. A rotating Kerr–Newman black hole and a rigidly rotating disk of dust are also considered; we find that the quantized radii do not lie in the regions that possess CTCs.     

Photorefractive gratings generated by band-gap excitation: Application to KNbO3

A simple model was developed to account for the generation of thin space–charge gratings induced by band-gap illumination in photorefractive crystals. It includes the high-intensity regime where the contribution of free carriers to the space–charge field cannot be neglected. The model was specifically applied to explain the occurrence of two mutually π-phase-shifted gratings below the surface of KNbO₃ as well as diffraction features that have been previously observed experimentally. Received: 11 October 2000 / Revised version: 22 January 2001 / Published online: 20 April 2001     

Spherically symmetric solution in a space–time with torsion

By using the method of group analysis, we obtain a new exact evolving and spherically symmetric solution of the Einstein–Cartan equations of motion, corresponding to a space–time threaded with a three-form Kalb–Ramond field strength. The solution describes in its more generic form, a space–time which scalar curvature vanishes for large distances and for large time. In static conditions, it reduces to a classical wormhole solution and to a exact solution with a localized scalar field and a torsion kink, already reported in literature. In the process we have found evidence towards the construction of more new solutions.     

Radiation Energy Flux and Radiation Power of Schwarzschild Black Hole

Applying the entropy density near the event horizon, we obtained the result that the radiation energy flux of the black hole is always proportional to the quartic of the temperature of its event horizon. That is to say, the thermal radiation of the black hole always satisfies the generalized Stefan–Boltzmann law. The derived generalized Stefan–Boltzmann coefficient is no longer a constant. When the cut-off distance and the thin film thickness are both fixed, it is a proportional coefficient which is related to the black hole mass, the kinds of radiation particles and space–time metric near the event horizon. In this paper, we have put forward a thermal particle model in curved space–time. By this model, the result has been obtained that when the thin film thickness and the cut-off distance are both fixed, the radiation energy flux received by observer far away from the Schwarzschild black hole is proportional to the average radial effusion velocity of the radiation particles in the thin film, and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the observer and the black hole.     

The geometrical unification of gravity with its source

I give a personal retrospect covering the years during which Mashhoon, myself and others developed a unification of the gravitational field and its source (matter). In this geometrical approach, Einstein’s 4D field equations of general relativity with a source are derived from the 5D Ricci equations for apparent vacuum. The main equations are given, along with comments on how they were arrived at. They describe gravity, electromagnetism and a scalar field. This induced-matter or space–time–matter theory is in agreement with observation and invites further development. Mass, Matter and Mashhoon: a Tribute to Bahram Mashhoon on his 60th Birthday.     

An analytic perturbation approach for classical spinning particle dynamics

A perturbation method to analytically describe the dynamics of a classical spinning particle, based on the Mathisson–Papapetrou–Dixon (MPD) equations of motion, is presented. By a power series expansion with respect to the particle’s spin magnitude, it is shown how to obtain in general form an analytic representation of the particle’s kinematic and dynamical degrees of freedom that is formally applicable to infinite order in the expansion. Within this formalism, it is possible to identify a classical analogue of radiative corrections to the particle’s mass and spin due to spin–gravity interaction. The robustness of this approach is demonstrated by showing how to explicitly compute the first-order momentum and spin tensor components for arbitrary particle motion in a general space–time background. Potentially interesting applications based on this perturbation approach are outlined.