Related papers: K-calculus in 4-dimensional optics
The starting point of this work is the principle that all movement of particles and photons in the observable Universe must follow geodesics of a 4-dimensional space where time intervals are always a measure of geodesic arc lengths, i.e.…
In this work, we use real quaternions and the basic concept of the final speed of light in an attempt to enhance the standard description of special relativity. First, we demonstrate that it is possible to introduce a quaternion time domain…
This paper is a serious attempt at reconciling quantum and classical mechanics through the concept of dynamic space and the acceptance of non-zero Ricci tensor for vacuum. Starting with scalar particles, the paper shows that with those two…
4-dimensional optics is here introduced axiomatically as the space that supports a Universal wave equation which is applied to the postulated Higgs field. Self-guiding of this field is shown to produce all the modes necessary to provide…
We live in a 3+1 space-time that is intended as a description of the universe with three space dimensions and one time dimension. Space-time dimensionality seems so natural that it is rarely criticized. Experiments and the highly successful…
We highlight the correspondence between one-dimensional Lorentz transformations, which relate events observed from two distinct inertial reference frames, and ray transfer transformations in Gaussian optics. Specifically, we identify…
A simple visual representation of Minkowski spacetime appropriate for a student with a background in geometry and algebra is presented. Minkowski spacetime can be modeled with a Euclidean 4-space to yield accurate visualizations as…
This paper presents a pedagogical introduction to the issue of how to implement Lorentz transformations in relativistic visualization. The most efficient approach is to use the even geometric algebra in 3+1 spacetime dimensions, or…
An analysis of composite inertial motion (relativistic sum) within the framework of special relativity leads to the conclusion that every translational motion must be the symmetrically composite relativistic sum of a finite number of quanta…
Sometimes it becomes a matter of natural choice for an observer (A) that he prefers a coordinate system of two-dimensional spatial x-y coordinates from which he observes another observer (B) who is moving at a uniform speed along a line of…
This contribution adds to the points on the <indeterminacy of special relativity> made by De Abreu and Guerra. We show that the Lorentz Transformation can be composed by the physical observations made in a frame K of events in a frame…
The k-calculus was advanced by Hermann Bondi as a means of explaining special relativity using only simple algebra (Bondi H.: Relativity and Common Sense, London, Heinemann, 1964). As used by Bondi, k is Doppler shift. This paper extends…
A variational principle is applied to 4D Euclidean space provided with a tensor refractive index, defining what can be seen as 4-dimensional optics (4DO). The geometry of such space is analysed, making no physical assumptions of any kind.…
In this work, we use the concept of quaternion time and demonstrate that it can be applied for description of four-dimensional space-time intervals. We demonstrate that the quaternion time interval together with the finite speed of light…
Starting with two light clocks to derive time dilation expression, as many textbooks do, and then adding a third one, we work on relativistic spacetime coordinates relations for some simple events as emission, reflection and return of light…
Special relativity turns out to be more than coordinate transformations in which the constancy of the speed of light plays the central role between two inertial reference frames. Special relativity, in essence, is a theory of…
All existing 4-coordinate systems centered on the world-line of an accelerated observer are only locally defined like it happens for Fermi coordinates both in special and general relativity. As a consequence, it is not known how…
The paper is based on the recently proposed 4-dimensional optical space theory and draws some of its consequences for gravitation. Starting with the discussion of central movement, the paper proceeds to establish the a metric compatible…
The history of the particle concept is briefly reviewed, with particular emphasis on the `foliation dependence' of many particle creation models, and the possible connection between our notion of particle and our notion of simultaneity. It…
After a review of the 1+3 point of view on non-inertial observers and of the problems of rotating reference frames, we underline that was is lacking in their treatment is a good global notion of simultaneity due to the restricted validity…