Speed Of Light Research Articles

Numerical simulation of the main stage of a lightning

We present a numerical model of the main stage of a lightning discharge. Within the framework of the developed model, evolution of parameters of the current channel upon the return stroke (the lightning main stage) is described by the system of equations governing conservation of mass, momentum, total energy, along with the transmission-line equations for determining the electric potential and the total current in each channel cross section. The main characteristics of lightning at the stage of the return stroke detectable experimentally, such as gas heating in the channel to temperatures in the range of 10–40 kK, the fundamental possibility of propagation of the potential-gradient wave at a speed varying from several hundredth to several tenths of the speed of light, and the possibility of the return-stroke wave propagating a relatively long distance without substantial attenuation, are demonstrated numerically. The conclusion that the developed physical and numerical model of the lightning discharge describes physical processes that occur under real conditions qualitatively correctly can be drawn based on the results on simulation of lightning discharges of various intensity.

The significance of measuring cosmological time dilation in the Dark Energy Survey Supernova Program

In the context of the dispersion relation c=λν and considering an expanding universe where the observed wavelength today is redshifted from the emitted wavelength by λ0=λemit(1+z), to keep c constant, it must be that ν0=νemit/(1+z). However, although the theory for wavelength in the RW metric includes the cosmological redshift, the same is not simply deduced for frequency (the inverse of time). Instead, cosmological time dilation T0=Temit(1+z) is an additional assumption made to uphold the hypothesis of constant speed of light rather than a relation directly derived from the RW metric. Therefore, verifying cosmological time dilation observationally is crucial. The most recent data employing supernovae for this purpose was released recently by the Dark Energy Survey. Results from the i-band specifically support variations in the speed of light within 1-σ. We used these observations to investigate variations in various physical quantities, including c and G, using the minimally extended varying speed of light model. The speed of light was 0.4% to 2.2% slower, and Newton’s constant may have decreased by 1.7% to 8.4% compared to their current values at redshift 2. These findings, consistent with previous studies, hint at resolving tensions between different ΛCDM cosmological backgrounds but are not yet conclusive evidence of a varying speed of light, as the full-band data aligns with standard model cosmology. However, the data remains valuable for testing variations in fundamental constants over cosmic time. Future analyses, particularly with more refined redshift data, may provide clearer insights into these potential changes.

Asymmetry in Measurements near Light Speed

The intentions of this theoretical exercise are two-fold. Firstly, the relationship between measurement and the theory or hypothesis that is tested is discussed as a methodological challenge. It is argued that measurements will always lead to multiple explanations of the data. Secondly the consequences of this stance are explored with measurements of objects moving with high velocities. The generally accepted equations of such objects are mirrored with an alternative interpretation, that is based on 'deconstructing' the way that such measurements are carried out. More specifically, this contribution concentrates on asymmetry in point measurements, which are measurements that are conducted from one spatial location. As many measurements require multiple samples, this may imply that consecutive measurements move with respect to the measuring device. This may cause an asymmetry, or myopia, in the data that is collected. Such measurements should therefore be corrected for the corresponding effects. This article will give a theoretical description of the myopia in point measurements specifically for objects moving with high velocity, in particular near the speed of light. It is demonstrated that the results are in correspondence with the equations that are commonly used to describe the velocities of such particles, such as the Lorentz transformations or the energy-momentum relationship, although the interpretation of these outcomes are somewhat different.

Black holes, photon sphere, and cosmology in ghost-free [formula omitted] gravity

The improved version of ghost-free f(G) gravity introduced in Nojiri and Odintsov (2005) is proposed and investigated. It is demonstrated that improved ghost-free f(G) gravity may be consistently applied to describe the expanding universe (with horizon) as well as the static spacetime like black holes. Interestingly, such a theory looks like a close avatar of scalar-Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity with the only difference that the scalar field is not a dynamical one so that many predictions of ghost-free f(G) gravity are very similar to that of sEGB gravity.We discuss the gravitational wave in the improved model with the condition that the propagating speed of the gravitational wave is identical to that of the propagation speed of light. A model that describes inflation in the early universe and could satisfy the observational constraints is also constructed. The solution of ghost-free f(G) gravity realising the given static spacetime with spherical symmetry is proposed. Some of such solutions realise explicitly the Reissner–Nordström black hole or the Hayward black hole, which is a regular black hole without curvature singularity, We also construct a black hole in our theory which contains the Arnowitt–Deser–Misner (ADM) mass, the horizon radius, and the radius of the photon sphere as independent parameters. The radius of the black hole shadow in this model as well as photon sphere radius are estimated. It is shown that there exists a parameter region which satisfies the constraints coming from Event Horizon Telescope observations. Furthermore, we construct model where the radius of the black hole shadow or photon orbit is smaller than the horizon radius supposed from the ADM mass.

Probing the speed of scalar induced gravitational waves from observations

The propagation speed of gravitational waves is a fundamental issue in gravitational theory. According to general relativity, gravitational waves propagate at the speed of light. However, alternative theories of gravity propose modifications to general relativity, including variations in the speed of gravitational waves. In this paper, we investigate scalar-induced gravitational waves that propagate at speeds different from the speed of light. First, we analytically calculate the power spectrum of scalar induced gravitational waves based on the speed and spectrum of primordial curvature perturbations. We then explore several scalar power spectra, deriving corresponding fractional energy densities, including monochromatic spectrum, scale-invariant spectrum, and power-law spectrum. Finally, we constrain scalar-induced gravitational waves and evaluate the signatures of their speed from the combination of CMB+BAO and gravitational wave observations. Our numerical results clearly illustrate the influence of the speed of scalar-induced gravitational waves.

Building Upon “Foundationalism” to Achieve the Objectives of Contemporary Science: How this can Lead to Faster Scientific Progress and Inclusive Science

This paper is one of our most important ones in the core philosophy of science, and one that we expect to stand science in extremely good stead as well. We believe this can move the needle and push the envelope as well, and lead us to what we have always called “scientific progress at the speed of light”. We naturally commence this paper by tracing the history of the term “foundationalism” itself, right from the time of the Ancient Greeks, renaissance and enlightenment thinkers, and finally to the modern and contemporary ones. Types of foundationalism such as strong and weak foundationalism, modest foundationalism, and then finally anti-foundationalism, internalism and externalism are also discussed and dissected threadbare along with allied and related concepts such as circular logic and reasoning, regress and infinite regress, all of which form a part of epistemology. The core concepts forming a part of this paper such as forward linkages, backward linkages, and traceability matrices are also discussed. We follow this up with the core principles of this paper, and discuss the ideal and recommended direction of research, including the ideal nature of research, primary research, secondary research, basic and applied research, and cross-cultural collaboration including vertical and horizontal collaboration as well. This paper is also much more importantly linked to our papers on sociocultural change, pedagogy, scientific methods, and other papers in the social sciences for maximum impact and efficacy. It is therefore an important part and parcel of our globalization of science movement, and one that will help realize our overall goals and mission greatly.

Unravelling the Enigmatic Nexus: Black Holes, Dark Matter, and the Interplay of Light, Gravity, and Electromagnetic Forces in Astrophysics and Astronomy

This research introduces a mathematical model positioning our physical reality within a ten-dimensional hyperspace, in which time acts as the unifying coordinate linking three-dimensional electric, magnetic, and gravitational spaces. Each domain is characterized by its respective field—electric, magnetic, or gravitational—and governed by intrinsic divergences and rotations, leading to a universal property known as Force Density, expressed in [N/m³]. This Force Density facilitates interactions among the distinct spaces while adhering to the principle of equilibrium, which posits that cumulative force densities from disturbances must consistently sum to zero. Building upon Einstein's General Relativity—which describes the curvature of spacetime by gravitational fields and assumes a constant light speed—this study proposes a perspective wherein light speed may vary during coherent laser beam interactions, prompting a re-examination of gravitational and luminous interactions across scales. The proposed model integrates the Stress-Energy Tensor and Gravitational Tensor, introducing a new tensor representation for black holes, termed Gravitational Electromagnetic Confinements, incorporating electromagnetic energy gradients and Lorentz transformations. This framework transcends traditional General Relativity, particularly evident in gravitational lensing. By reinterpreting Einstein's incorporation of the Gravitational Constant within the Energy-Stress Tensor, this work harmonizes gravity and light, offering insights into black hole solutions resonating with John Archibald Wheeler's 1955 research. Empirical data from Galileo satellites and MASER frequency measurements underscore discrepancies between established theories and this new model, enhancing the precision of gravitational observations. Through the confluence of Quantum Physics and General Relativity, as seen in approaches like String Theory, this interdisciplinary endeavor revisits the gravitational constant "G," redefining it while bridging theoretical frameworks, thus paving the way for breakthroughs in astronomical and astrophysical sciences.

Strings near black holes are Carrollian

We demonstrate that strings near the horizon of a Schwarzschild black hole, when viewed by a stationary observer at infinity, probe a string Carroll geometry, where the effective light speed is given by the distance from the horizon. We expand the Polyakov action in powers of this light speed to find a theory of Carrollian strings. We show that the string shrinks to a point to leading order near the horizon, which follows a null geodesic in a two-dimensional Rindler space. At the next-to-leading order the string oscillates in the embedding fields associated with the near-horizon two-sphere. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

ЗОРЯНЕ ВИПРОМІНЮВАННЯ У ГАЛАКТИЧНОМУ ЦИКЛІ

The existence of the Universe presupposes the circulation of energy emitted by stars between galaxies and the cosmic environment. The third galactic process presented in the article "Life of Galaxies in the Observable Universe" contains a fragment associated with the release of energy by stellar photons propagating through space. In this report, it is suggested that the release of energy by quanta is carried out through two channels. The first is the transfer of energy to hypothetical particles of the subtle component of dark matter formed from the paired unification of microwave quanta. The second channel is the release of the bulk of the photons' energy to the vacuum structures. The distribution of the returned energy over the two channels is determined by its participation in processes at two different levels. The first level is electromagnetic processes occurring in the plasma of stellar atmospheres. The second is the participation of the returned energy in the processing of stellar waste in galactic centers, when the latter are in the quasar phase and destroy the nuclei of atoms of old stars into the original particles. The participation of vacuum in the reception of energy and its transfer to galaxies means that the vacuum near large masses will be distinguished by an increased density of its energy. The latter should be reflected in the physical constants whose values depend on the state of the vacuum. Such constants include, for example, the electric and magnetic constants. Therefore, one should expect a shift in the spectral lines of radiation of atoms near the nuclei of quasars relative to the spectral lines of radiation emanating from points of the same galaxies, but remote from their centers. The latter means that the indicated difference in redshifts within galaxies can introduce additional errors in determining the distances to them. Classical electrodynamics and the above assumption indicate the dependence of the speed of light on the point of its determination. It is concluded that some physical constants depending on the local density of vacuum energy will be constant only conditionally.

Quantified asymptotic analysis for the relativistic quantum mechanical system with electromagnetic fields

We study the asymptotic analysis of a relativistic quantum mechanical system interacting with self-consistent electromagnetic fields, with a specific focus on the Maxwell–Klein–Gordon (MKG) system. Firstly, we show that the MKG system is globally well-posed under the Coulomb gauge condition, even in the presence of self-interacting potential. Furthermore, to derive the asymptotic analysis, we consider the non-relativistic and semi-classical regime simultaneously, introducing a single scaling parameter that serves to parameterize both the speed of light and the Planck constant. As the scaling parameter approaches zero, we obtain rigorous and quantified estimates on the asymptotic convergence of the electrostatic MKG system toward the classical Euler–Poisson system. Our analytical framework relies on the modulated energy estimate.

Temperature effect on acoustic waves reflection condition in anisotropic crystals

The reflection of acoustic waves in anisotropic media has found important applications in acousto-optics (AO). It may be realized both with changing the type of acoustic mode and without it. The latter case is applied for the realization of the quasi-collinear AO diffraction geometry for which the incident light and ultrasound wave group velocity vectors are collinear. The acoustic wave involved into the AO interaction exists due to the reflection from the AO cell input optical face. Quasi-collinear configuration of AO interaction enables achieving exceptionally high spectral resolution and diffraction efficiency, therefore, it is applied for the laser pulse shaping. However, the application of AO tunable filters for such purposes requires high acoustic power values, which induce the temperature gradients in the AO crystal. Temperature variations influence the stiffness constants of the AO crystal, impacting the characteristics of incident and reflected acoustic waves, affecting the acoustic wave reflection condition and consequently, the AO diffraction characteristics. This study presents the theoretical and experimental examination of the temperature influence on the acoustic beam reflection in anisotropic crystals on the example of tellurium dioxide crystal. This paper is supported by the Russian Science Foundation, grant 23-12-00057.

Time delay of reflected and transmitted laser pulse at laser action on a dense plasma slab

The time delay phenomenon of reflected and transmitted laser pulse under the action of s-polarized laser radiation on a supercritical plasma slab is considered. The dependence of the time delay and peak intensity of reflected and transmitted signals on the slab thickness, plasma density, and angle of laser radiation incidence is investigated. It is shown that with increasing thickness of the plasma slab, the saturation of the transmitted signal delay time (Hartman effect) does not occur due to the exponential decrease in its intensity. The tunneling speed of the laser pulse energy through the slab of supercritical plasma is calculated, and it is shown that at large angles of laser radiation incidence, it can exceed the speed of light in vacuum.

The cosmological constant and energy quantization in hydrogen atom in light of a doubly special relativity with a minimum speed

We show the existence of an invariant minimum speed in space–time as a new fundamental constant of nature by forming the basis of a doubly special relativity so-called Symmetrical Special Relativity (SSR). Such an observer-independent minimum speed emerges from the Dirac’s Large Number Hypothesis (LNH), which leads us to build SSR-theory. This allows us to understand that the hydrogen atom represents the most stable bound state in the universe as being a fundamental structure in space–time with two speed limits, i.e., the speed of light c and a minimum speed V. So the symmetry in space–time given by an invariant minimum speed, which has origin in the electrical and gravitational bound states in hydrogen atom is able to provide a deeper understanding of the proton-electron mass ratio. We investigate how the minimum speed plays a fundamental role in the quantization of energy in hydrogen atom. The minimum speed V is related to a preferred background frame (ultra-referential SV) represented by the surface of a dark cone forbidden to the world line of any particle. It is related to the vacuum energy that leads to the cosmological constant. An investigation of SSR is done and a hypothetical experiment of Bose–Einstein condensation is proposed to detect the minimum speed as a possible Lorentz violation at very low energies.

Supermassive black hole formation via collisions in black hole clusters

More than 300 supermassive black holes have been detected at redshifts larger than six, and they are abundant in the centers of local galaxies. Their formation mechanisms, however, are still rather unconstrained. A possible origin of these supermassive black holes could be mergers in dense black hole clusters, forming as a result of mass segregation within nuclear star clusters at the center of galaxies. In this study, we present the first systematic investigation of the evolution of such black hole clusters in which the effect of an external potential is taken into account. Such a potential could be the result of gas inflows into the central region; for example, as a result of galaxy mergers. We show here that the efficiency of the formation of a massive central object is mostly regulated by the ratio of cluster velocity dispersion divided by the speed of light, potentially reaching efficiencies of 0.05–0.08 in realistic systems. Our results show that this scenario is potentially feasible and may provide black hole seeds of at least 103 M⊙. We conclude that the formation of seed black holes via this channel should be taken into account in statistical assessments of the black hole population.

At the Speed of Light: Recent Advances on Photocatalyzed Generation and Applications of Iminyl Radicals Promoted by Visible-light

: Nitrogen-positioned radicals are chemical entities that have a lengthier history than carbon ones and their high reactivity makes them invaluable. But, despite its power, much of its chemistry is still uncharted. Currently, developed methodologies to access nitrogen-positioned radicals, such as transition metal catalysis or visible-light photoredox methods through a single-electron transfer process, avoiding the use of harmful or toxic reagents, excess raw materials, solvents as well as pre-functionalization steps or extensive synthetic routes are in continuous progress. This revision aims to depict the recent advances in the field of iminyl-radicals’ syntheses, a special class of radicals placed on nitrogen, catalyzed by transition metals or photoredox techniques for the construction of C-N bonds and their synthetic applications. This work serves as a comprehensive guide for the scope of synthetic applications that this kind of radicals could have.

Breit interaction overtaking Coulomb force at low energies: an unexpectedly efficient mechanism for ionization in slow collisions

Abstract It is generally assumed that ionization in slow collisions of light atomic particles, whose constituents (electrons and nuclei) move with velocities orders of magnitude smaller than the speed of light, is driven solely by the Coulomb force. Here we show, however, that the Breit interaction—a relativistic correction to the Coulomb interaction between electrons—can become the main actor when the colliding system couples resonantly to the quantum radiation field. Our results demonstrate that this ionization mechanism can be very efficient in various not too dense physical environments, including stellar plasmas and atomic beams propagating in gases.

On the electromagnetic wave interaction with subluminal, luminal, and superluminal mirrors

As predicted by A. Einstein [Ann. Phys. (Leipzig) 17, 891 (1905)], the electromagnetic wave reflected at a moving mirror is frequency-upshifted and intensified as high as the mirror velocity is close to the speed of light in vacuum. However, at this limit the mirror reflectivity vanishes, because the higher the wave frequency the more transparent matter is. To resolve this paradox, we analyse the electromagnetic wave propagation in medium where the refractive index modulation moves at the speed of light in vacuum. Although the luminal and superluminal modulations are unconditionally transparent for the incident radiation, they both can reflect. We find the new type of the electromagnetic wave reflection with the increasing in time frequency inside the luminal mirror. If the modulation disappears the high frequency radiation is released as a short wavepacket.

The “flow of time” and its relation with the speed of light. A new interpretation

In general relativity, the speed of light is considered as the only real invariant of the universe, while the flow of time would be an illusion. In quantum mechanics, conversely, time is constant, absolute, and universal. In this article, we support this concept and conclude that it is this flow of time which not only controls and limits the speed of light but also, through its progression, uncovers the universe as we know it. In fact, the flow of time is the real “Marshal” of the universe.

Electromagnetic field in an expanding universe

An expanding universe filled with a massive electromagnetic field is studied. The electromagnetic field (photon) is found to acquire mass during an inflationary period. The photon mass varies with the Hubble parameter as m γ = 3ℏ H/c 2, where H, ℏ and c are the Hubble parameter, Planck constant, and speed of light. A leftover magnetic field since the inflationary era permeates the space between galaxies and interstellar media. The strength of the electromagnetic field changes with the scale factor, E ∝ a −3. The photon gains mass when interacting with the gravitational field while remaining massless in flat space. The massive electromagnetic field adds energy density to the Universe proportional to m 2.

Information processing at the speed of light.

In recent years, quantum computing has made significant strides, particularly in light-based technology. The introduction of quantum photonic chips has ushered in an era marked by scalability, stability, and cost-effectiveness, paving the way for innovative possibilities within compact footprints. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of photonic quantum computing, covering key aspects such as encoding information in photons, the merits of photonic qubits, and essential photonic device components including light squeezers, quantum light sources, interferometers, photodetectors, and waveguides. The article also examines photonic quantum communication and internet, and its implications for secure systems, detailing implementations such as quantum key distribution and long-distance communication. Emerging trends in quantum communication and essential reconfigurable elements for advancing photonic quantum internet are discussed. The review further navigates the path towards establishing scalable and fault-tolerant photonic quantum computers, highlighting quantum computational advantages achieved using photons. Additionally, the discussion extends to programmable photonic circuits, integrated photonics and transformative applications. Lastly, the review addresses prospects, implications, and challenges in photonic quantum computing, offering valuable insights into current advancements and promising future directions in this technology.