Is Minkowski Space-Time Compatible with Quantum Mechanics?

In quantum relativistic Hamiltonian dynamics, the time evolution of interacting particles is described by the Hamiltonian with an interaction-dependent term (potential energy). Boost operators are responsible for (Lorentz) transformations of observables between different moving inertial frames of reference. Relativistic invariance requires that interaction-dependent terms (potential boosts) are present also in the boost operators and therefore Lorentz transformations depend on the interaction acting in the system. This fact is ignored in special relativity, which postulates the universality of Lorentz transformations and their independence of interactions. Taking into account potential boosts in Lorentz transformations allows us to resolve the no-interaction paradox formulated by Currie, Jordan, and Sudarshan [Rev. Mod. Phys. 35, 350 (1963)] and to predict a number of potentially observable effects contradicting special relativity. In particular, we demonstrate that the longitudinal electric field (Coulomb potential) of a moving charge propagates instantaneously. We show that this effect as well as superluminal spreading of localized particle states is in full agreement with causality in all inertial frames of reference. Formulas relating time and position of events in interacting systems reduce to the usual Lorentz transformations only in the classical limit (0) and for weak interactions. Therefore, the concept of Minkowski space-time is just an approximation which should be avoided in rigorous theoretical constructions.     

Space-time ergodic properties of systems of infinitely many independent particles

We investigate the ergodic properties of the equilibrium states of systems of infinitely many particles with respect to the group generated by space translations and time evolution. The particles are assumed to move independently in a periodic external field. We show that insofar as good thermodynamic behavior is concerned these properties provide much sharper discrimination than the ergodic properties of the time evolution alone. In particular, we show that though the infinite ideal gas is mixing in the space-time framework, it has vanishing space-time entropy and fails to be a space-timeK-system. On the other hand, if the particles interact with fixed convex scatterers (the Lorentz gas) the system forms a space-timeK-system. Also, the space-time entropy of a system of the type we consider is shown to equal its time entropy per unit volume.Research supported in part by the National Science Foundation Grant No. GP-16147 A No. 1.     

Microscopic Relativity: The Basic Theory

In effort to investigate how quantum physics might modify Einstein's Theory of Relativity at speeds vc, the relationship between space-time coordinates of different reference frames is revisited by introducing only one new parameter x_o, a fundamental constant for the quantization of space. The starting point is three criteria: (a) real space-time data are conditioned by standard quantum effects on measurements; (b) since currently used apparatus are only capable of probing the aggregate behavior of these quanta the relevant model is one which maximizes the Entropy subject to certain defining constraints; and (c) the constraints simply involve fixed ensemble averages in the case of an inertial frame, or boundary conditions on running averages in the case of an accelerated frame. In this context it is found that both the Lorentz transformation and a simple scheme for the quantization of space-time which resembles identically Planck's photon picture of radiation are a direct consequence of the Principle of Relativity. Non-inertial behavior corresponds to local Entropy maxima, obtainable by solution of a diffusion equation which gives gradually varying ensemble averages across space-time, as demonstrated by the example of a profile which connects a central region of highly agitated quanta with an asymptotic ambient environment—the outcome is the Schwarzschild metric of General Relativity. Apart from the above, a new feature emerges from the theory: the space-time data of an observer, when referred to the frame of his moving partner, are subject to extra quantum fluctuations which increase indefinitely in severity as vc, with the Lorentz transformation providing only the mean data values. Thus for fast moving bodies like cosmic rays or matter at the horizon of a black hole, physical processes which affect them may not always be perceived by us to occur at the expected length or time scales.     

Kinematical and gravitational analysis of the rocket-borne clock experiment by Vessot and Levine using the revised Robertson's test theory of special relativity

The kinematic aspects of the rocket-borne clock experiment by Vessot and Levine are analyzed with the revised Robertson's test theory of special relativity (Found. Phys. 14, 625 (1984)). Besides the expected time-dilation, it is found that the intermediate steps of this experiment yield in principle Michelson-Morley type information (a relation between longitudinal and transverse length contractions) in the third order of the velocities involved, but no relativity-of-simultaneity related effects.The flat space-time test theory induces a family of spherically symmetric line elements that become the Schwarzschild line element in the relativistic case and also in theabinito rest frame of the theory. These line elements represent the same space-time manifold, but pertain in a one-to-one correspondence to the different flat space-time coordinate transformations of the test theory. The conserved energy is related to the family of local energies in the tangent plane. No deviations from the orthodoxy appear at the pertinent levels of approximation. Hence the unexplained residuals of the Vessot-Levine experiment are not due in obvious ways to kinematic and gravitational frequency shifts caused by deviations of the real coordinate transformations from the Lorentz transformations.This work was started while the author was at Departamento de Fisica, Facultad Experimental de Ciencias, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela. It was completed at the Department of Physics, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 83422.     

Finslerian Spaces Possessing Local Relativistic Symmetry

It is shown that the problem of a possibleviolation of the Lorentz transformations at Lorentzfactors > 5 × 10¹⁰,indicated by the situation which has developed in thephysics of ultra-high energy cosmic rays (the absence of the GZKcutoff), has a nontrivial solution. Its essence consistsin the discovery of the so-called generalized Lorentztransformations which seem to correctly link the inertial reference frames at any values of. Like the usual Lorentz transformations, thegeneralized ones are linear, possess group propertiesand lead to the Einstein law of addition of3-velocities. However, their geometric meaning turns out tobe different: they serve as relativistic symmetrytransformations of a flat anisotropic Finslerian eventspace rather than of Minkowski space. Consideration is given to two types of Finsler spaces whichgeneralize locally isotropic Riemannian space-time ofrelativity theory, e.g. Finsler spaces with a partiallyand entirely broken local 3D isotropy. The investigation advances arguments for the correspondinggeneralization of the theory of fundamental interactionsand for a specific search for physical effects due tolocal anisotropy of space-time.     

Antiparticles from special Relativity with ortho-chronous and antichronous Lorentz transformations

Special Relativity can be based on the whole proper group of both ortho- and antichronous Lorentz transformations, and a clear physical meaning can be given also to antichronous (i.e., nonorthochronous) Lorentz transformations. From the active point of view, the latter requires existence, for any particle, of its antiparticle within a purely relativistic, classical context. From the passive point of view, they give rise to frames dual to the ordinary ones, whose properties—here briefly discussed—are linked with the fact that in relativity it is impossible to teach another, far observer (by transmitting only instructions, and no physical objects) our own conventions about the choices right/left, matter/antimatter, and positive/negative time direction. Interesting considerations follow, in particular, by considering—as it is the case—theCPT operation as an actual (even if antichronous) Lorentz transformation.Work partially supported by FAPESP and CNPq (Brazil).     

A note on Lorentz transformations and simultaneity in classical physics and special relativity

Since early models of wave propagation in both stationary and moving media during the nineteenth century, the Lorentz transformation (LT) has played a key role in describing characteristic wave phenomena, e.g., the Doppler shift effect. In these models LT connects two different events generated by wave propagations, as observed in two reference systems and the synchronism is absolute. In relativistic physics LT implements the relativity principle. As a consequence, it connects two space-time event coordinates that both correspond to the same physical event and “absolute synchronization” is not allowed. The relativistic interpretation started from Einstein’s early criticism of the notion of “simultaneity” and Minkowski’s invariance of the space-time interval. In this paper, the two different roles of LT, i.e., in classical wave propagation theories and in relativistic physics, are discussed. Einstein’s early criticism is also re-examined with respect to LT in view of its significance for the notion of simultaneity. Indeed, that early criticism is found to be defective. Our analysis is also useful for general readers in view of its impact on modern speculations about the existence of a preferred system of reference Σ, where light propagation is isotropic, and related implications.

     

Round-trip clock retardation and the conventionality of simultaneity

A synchrony-free, velocity-independent formulation of the Lorentz transformation is derived in a very simple manner with the help of thek-calculus. The dependence of the well-known relativistic effects on the choice of simultaneity metric is put forth, and the significance of the possibility of eliminating these effects is explored. This leads to a simple analysis of the clock paradox, or round-trip clock retardation. The doctrine of the conventionality of simultaneity is brought to bear on the interpretation of this effect. It is argued that such a round-trip effect constitutes a physical realization not only of the conventionality of simultaneity but of that of temporal congruence as well. Some physics perhaps vindicates a little philosophy.     

An interaction interpretation of special relativity theory. Part II

The interaction interpretation of special relativity theory (elaborated in Part I) is discussed in relation to quantum theory. The relativistic transformations (Lorentz processes) of physical variables, on the interaction interpretation, are observation-interaction dependent, just as are the physical values (eigenvalues) of systems described by quantum-theoretic state functions; a common, basic structure of the special relativity and quantum theories can therefore be presented. The constancy of the light speed is shown to follow from interaction-transformations of frequency and wavelength variables. A parallelism is suggested between, on the one hand, the Lorentz-Clausius distinction for relativistic transformations, and, on the other, the distinction between observation-dependent and observation-independent natural processes. The empirical study of rates of macroscopic clocks can provide a critical test of the interaction interpretation and of a possible extension to gravitational time changes; the role of time as prior determinant of natural process is at issue. The Hafele-Keating observations are of general relativity effects on clocks in accelerated motion.     

Revised Robertson's test theory of special relativity: Space-time structure and dynamics

The experimental testing of the Lorentz transformations is based on a family of sets of coordinate transformations that do not comply in general with the principle of equivalence of the inertial frames. The Lorentz and Galilean sets of transformations are the only member sets of the family that satisfy this principle. In the neighborhood of regular points of space-time, all members in the family are assumed to comply with local homogeneity of space-time and isotropy of space in at least one free-falling elevator, to be denoted as Robertson'sab initio rest frame [H. P. Robertson,Rev. Mod. Phys. 21, 378 (1949)].Without any further assumptions, it is shown that Robertson's rest frame becomes a preferred frame for all member sets of the Robertson family except for, again, Galilean and Einstein's relativities. If one now assumes the validity of Maxwell-Lorentz electrodynamics in the preferred frame, a different electrodynamics spontaneously emerges for each set of transformations. The flat space-time of relativity retains its relevance, which permits an obvious generalization, in a Robertson context, of Dirac's theory of the electron and Einstein's gravitation. The family of theories thus obtained constitutes a covering theory of relativistic physics.A technique is developed to move back and forth between Einstein's relativity and the different members of the family of theories. It permits great simplifications in the analysis of relativistic experiments with relevant Robertson's subfamilies. It is shown how to adapt the Clifford algebra version of standard physics for use with the covering theory and, in particular, with the covering Dirac theory.Part of this work was done at the Department of Physics, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322.     

Cosmological Models with Bulk Viscosity in the Presence of Adiabatic Matter Creation and with Variable G, c, and Λ

Some properties of cosmological models with a time variable bulk viscous coefficient in the presence of adiabatic matter creation and variable G, c, are investigated in the framework of a specifically flat FRW line element. We trivially find a set of solutions through Dimensional Analysis. In all the studied cases it is found that the behaviour of these "constants" is inversely proportional to the cosmic time. It is found that with the solution obtained our model verifies the principles of general covariance and Lorentz invariance. Finally we emphasize that the envisaged models are free of the horizon and entropy problem.     

Observation of quantum particles on a large space-time scale

A quantum particle observed on a sufficiently large space-time scale can be described by means of classical particle trajectories. The joint distribution for large-scale multiple-time position and momentum measurements on a nonrelativistic quantum particle moving freely inR ^v is given by straight-line trajectories with probabilities determined by the initial momentum-space wavefunction. For large-scale toroidal and rectangular regions the trajectories are geodesics. In a uniform gravitational field the trajectories are parabolas. A quantum counting process on free particles is also considered and shown to converge in the large-space-time limit to a classical counting process for particles with straight-line trajectories. If the quantum particle interacts weakly with its environment, the classical particle trajectories may undergo random jumps. In the random potential model considered here, the quantum particle evolves according to a reversible unitary one-parameter group describing elastic scattering off static randomly distributed impurities (a quantum Lorentz gas). In the large-space-time weak-coupling limit a classical stochastic process is obtained with probability one and describes a classical particle moving with constant speed in straight lines between random jumps in direction. The process depends only on the ensemble value of the covariance of the random field and not on the sample field. The probability density in phase space associated with the classical stochastic process satisfies the linear Boltzmann equation for the classical Lorentz gas, which, in the limith0, goes over to the linear Landau equation. Our study of the quantum Lorentz gas is based on a perturbative expansion and, as in other studies of this system, the series can be controlled only for small values of the rescaled time and for Gaussian random fields. The discussion of classical particle trajectories for nonrelativistic particles on a macroscopic spacetime scale applies also to relativistic particles. The problem of the spatial localization of a relativistic particle is avoided by observing the particle on a sufficiently large space-time scale.     

Reconsidering a Scientific Revolution: The Case of Einstein <Emphasis Type="Italic">versus</Emphasis> Lorentz

The relationship between Albert Einstein's special theory of relativity and Hendrik A. Lorentz's ether theory is best understood in terms of competing interpretations of Lorentz invariance. In the 1890s, Lorentz proved and exploited the Lorentz invariance of Maxwell's equations, the laws governing electromagnetic fields in the ether, with what he called the theorem of corresponding states. To account for the negative results of attempts to detect the earth's motion through the ether, Lorentz, in effect, had to assume that the laws governing the matter interacting with the fields are Lorentz invariant as well. This additional assumption can be seen as a generalization of the well-known contraction hypothesis. In Lorentz's theory, it remained an unexplained coincidence that both the laws governing fields and the laws governing matter should be Lorentz invariant. In special relativity, by contrast, the Lorentz invariance of all physical laws directly reflects the Minkowski space-time structure posited by the theory. One can use this observation to produce a common-cause argument to show that the relativistic interpretation of Lorentz invariance is preferable to Lorentz's interpretation.     

Lorentz invariance of gravitational Lagrangians in the space of reference frames

The recently proposed theories of gravitation in the space of reference framesS are based on a Lagrangian invariant with respect to the homogeneous Lorentz group. However, in theories of this kind, the Lorentz invariance is not a necessary consequence of some physical principles, as in the theories formulated in space-time, but rather a purely esthetic request. In the present paper, we give a systematic method for the construction of gravitational theories in the spaceS, without assuming a priori the Lorentz invariance of the Lagrangian. The Einstein-Cartan equations of gravitation are obtained requiring only that the Lagrangian is invariant under proper rotations and has particular transformation properties under space reflections and space-time dilatations     

Thermodynamics and Preferred Frame

The Lorentz covariant statistical physics and thermodynamics is formulated within the preferred frame approach. The transformation laws for geometrical and mechanical quantities such as volume and pressure as well as the Lorentz-invariant measure on the phase space are found using Lorentz transformations in absolute synchronization. Next, the probability density and partition function are investigated using the preferred frame approach, and the transformation laws for internal energy, entropy, temperature and other thermodynamical potentials are established. The Lorentz covariance of basic thermodynamical relations, including Clapeyron's equation and Maxwell's relations is shown. Finally, the relation of presented approach to the previous approaches to relativistic thermodynamics is briefly discussed.     

狭义相对论中没有“矛盾方程”

根据洛伦兹变换把两个惯性系的坐标原点的时空坐标从一个坐标系变换到另一坐标系,从相对运动的角度说明洛伦兹变换是自洽的,运动物体上发生的自然过程比起静止物体的过程延缓了,并且两个坐标系中的观察者都认为对方的时钟变慢,是“动钟变慢”而非“动钟变快”,不会导致“矛盾方程”,不能混淆同一事件的变换规律与两个事件的变换结果．     

A magnetic-monopole-type solution in the Poincaré gauge field theory of gravity

In a microscopical theory of gravity the coupling of internal gauge degrees of freedom to those of space-time are studied. A magnetic-monopole-type solution for the coupledSO(3) Yang-Mills-Higgs system in a space-time with curvature and torsion is derived. The coupling constant of the Lorentz gauge bosons can be related directly to the (constant) Higgs field and to the cosmological constant which is induced by the quadratic curvature terms in the Lagrangian. This reveals a new interpretation of the parameters entering the general Lagrangian density of the Poincaré gauge field theory (PG).     

Euclidean Special Relativity

New four coordinates are introduced which are related to the usual space-time coordinates. For these coordinates, the Euclidean four-dimensional length squared is equal to the interval squared of the Minkowski space. The Lorentz transformation, for the new coordinates, becomes an SO(4) rotation. New scalars (invariants) are derived. A second approach to the Lorentz transformation is presented. A mixed space is generated by interchanging the notion of time and proper time in inertial frames. Within this approach the Lorentz transformation is a 4-dimensional rotation in an Euclidean space, leading to new possibilities and applications.     

Quantum relativity theory and quantum space-time

A quantum relativity theory formulated in terms of Davis' quantum relativity principle is outlined. The first task in this theory as in classical relativity theory is to model space-time, the arena of natural processes. It is shown that the quantum space-time models of Banai introduced in another paper is formulated in terms of Davis' quantum relativity. The recently proposed classical relativistic quantum theory of Prugoveki and his corresponding classical relativistic quantum model of space-time open the way to introduce, in a consistent way, the quantum space-time model (the quantum substitute of Minkowski space) of Banai proposed in the paper mentioned. The goal of quantum mechanics of quantum relativistic particles living in this model of space-time is to predict the rest mass system properties of classically relativistic (massive) quantum particles (elementary particles). The main new aspect of this quantum mechanics is that provides a true mass eigenvalue problem, and that the excited mass states of quantum relativistic particles can be interpreted as elementary particles. The question of field theory over quantum relativistic model of space-time is also discussed. Finally it is suggested that quarks should be considered as quantum relativistic particles.Supported by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.