English

Light Propagation For Accelerated Observers

General Physics 2007-05-23 v3 Classical Physics Optics

Abstract

We show that for an observer in translational, rotational or gravitational motion, a linearly polarized plane wave has two modes of propagation in a stationary, homogeneous and isotropic medium according to Hertz's version of Maxwell's theory. The first mode is characterized by polarization at right angles to the direction of propagation and has a phase velocity that is controlled by the material constants of the medium. The second mode is characterized by polarization along the propagation direction and has a phase velocity that is controlled by the motion of the observer. We outline some applications of the second mode in emerging technologies.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.physics/0104069,
  title  = {Light Propagation For Accelerated Observers},
  author = {A. I. A. Adewole},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:physics/0104069},
  year   = {2007}
}

Comments

20 pages, minor corrections and clarifications