Spatial Directions,Anisotropy and Special Relativity

The concept of an objective spatial direction in special relativity is investigated and theories assuming light-speed isotropy while accepting the existence of a privileged spatial direction are classified, including so-called very special relativity. A natural generalization of the proper time principle is introduced which makes it possible to devise non-optical experimental tests of spatial isotropy. Several common misunderstandings in the relativistic literature concerning the role of spatial isotropy are clarified.     

Space-Time Grains: Roots of Special and Doubly Special Relativity

We show that the special relativistic dynamics when combined with quantum mechanics and the concept of superstatistics can be interpreted as arising from two interlocked non-relativistic stochastic processes that operate at different energy scales. This interpretation leads to Feynman amplitudes that are in the Euclidean regime identical to transition probability of a Brownian particle propagating through a granular space. Some kind of spacetime granularity could be therefore held responsible for the emergence at larger scales of various symmetries. For illustration we consider also the dynamics and the propagator of a spinless relativistic particle. Implications for doubly special relativity, quantum field theory, quantum gravity and cosmology are discussed.     

Faster-than-c Signals, Special Relativity, and Causality

Motivated by the recent attention on superluminal phenomena, we investigate the compatibility between faster-than-c propagation and the fundamental principles of relativity and causality. We first argue that special relativity can easily accommodate—indeed, does not exclude—faster-than-c signaling at the kinematical level. As far as causality is concerned, it is impossible to make statements of general validity, without specifying at least some features of the tachyonic propagation. We thus focus on the Scharnhorst effect (faster-than-c photon propagation in the Casimir vacuum), which is perhaps the most plausible candidate for a physically sound realization of these phenomena. We demonstrate that in this case the faster-than-c aspects are “benign” and constrained in such a manner as to not automatically lead to causality violations.     

Quantum Groups and Deformed Special Relativity

The structure and properties of possible q-Minkowski spaces are reviewed and the corresponding non-commutative differential calculi are developed in detail and compared with already existing proposals. This is done by stressing the covariance properties of these algebras with respect to the corresponding q-deformed Lorentz groups as described by appropriate reflection equations. This allow us to give an unified treatment for different q-Minkowski algebras. Some isomorphisms among the space-time and derivative algebras are demonstrated, and their representations are described briefly. Finally, some, physical consequences and open problems are discussed.     

Special Relativity,the Source of Electron Deep Orbits

In this paper, we explicitly point out the reasons why Special Relativity must be considered as the source of electron deep orbits, and dominates their behavior. We show that the cause is the quadratic form of the relativistic expression of energy, and this clearly appears when we explicitly develop the relativistic Schrödinger equation and compare it with the non-relativistic one.     

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.     

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.     

Some Remarks on Special Conformal and Special Projective Symmetries in General Relativity

Those space-times admitting special conformal vector fields and those admitting special projective vector fields have recently been studied. In this paper these two classes of space times are shown to be very closely related to each other. Certain uniqueness features of (and necessary extra symmetries contained in) the associated Lie algebras are discussed and the dimensionality of each of the algebras is computed.     

The cosmological constant and classical tests of general relativity

An upper limit of 10^-42 cm^-2 is placed on the absolute value of the cosmological constant by comparing with the prediction of the perihelion shift of Mercury. It is shown that the bending of starlight near the sun gives no limit on the cosmological constant since the equation for a null geodesic takes the same form with or without the cosmological constant.