Symmetry In Electrodynamics Research Articles

Violation of electromagnetic U1 symmetry by Yang–Mills gravity and deflection of light experiment

Within the gauge symmetry framework, the [Formula: see text] symmetry of electrodynamics is violated in the presence of gravity with spacetime translational gauge symmetry in inertial frames. For a light ray, an eikonal equation with effective metric tensors is derived in the geometric-optics limit. Under these conditions, the angle of the deflection of light by the sun is calculated to be [Formula: see text] in inertial frames without requiring a gauge condition such as [Formula: see text]. In contrast, if the theory is [Formula: see text] gauge invariant, one can impose the gauge condition [Formula: see text] in the derivation of the eikonal equation. In this case, one obtains a slightly different effective metric tensor and a different angle of deflection [Formula: see text]. However, because the precision of experiments in the last century using optical frequencies has been no better than (10–20)% due to large systematic errors, one cannot unambiguously rule out the result [Formula: see text]. We hope that the precision of these data can be improved in order to test Yang–Mills gravity.

Direct terrestrial test of Lorentz symmetry in electrodynamics to 10(-18).

Lorentz symmetry is a foundational property of modern physics, underlying the standard model of particles and general relativity. It is anticipated that these two theories are low-energy approximations of a single theory that is unified and consistent at the Planck scale. Many unifying proposals allow Lorentz symmetry to be broken, with observable effects appearing at Planck-suppressed levels; thus, precision tests of Lorentz invariance are needed to assess and guide theoretical efforts. Here we use ultrastable oscillator frequency sources to perform a modern Michelson–Morley experiment and make the most precise direct terrestrial test to date of Lorentz symmetry for the photon, constraining Lorentz violating orientation-dependent relative frequency changes Δν/ν to 9.2±10.7 × 10−19 (95% confidence interval). This order of magnitude improvement over previous Michelson–Morley experiments allows us to set comprehensive simultaneous bounds on nine boost and rotation anisotropies of the speed of light, finding no significant violations of Lorentz symmetry.

Restoration of the dual symmetry of electrodynamics in general-relativistic theory of gravity

It has been shown that using some results of the general-relativistic gravitation theory, it is possible to restore the dual symmetry of the electrodynamics equations without introducing magnetic monopoles. In this connection, we consider possible physical consequences related to the existence of the symmetries of Dirac’s spinor field with respect to phase and γ5 rotations. It is shown that after performing the localization procedure for these groups and introduction of the corresponding gauge fields it becomes possible to obtain the dual symmetry of the electrodynamics equations without introducing magnetic monopoles to the theory. In the framework of general relativity and the Einstein-Cartan theory, we find physical fields able to play the role of gauge fields for the above-mentioned localized symmetry groups.

Symmetries of a Spinor Field and Dual Symmetry of Electrodynamics

Possible physical consequences associated with the presence in a Dirac spinor field of two symmetry groups – the group of phase rotations and the group of γ5-rotations – are considered. A procedure for localizing these groups and introducing gauge fields is followed through, as a result of which dual symmetry of the equations of electrodynamics with sources is achieved without introducing magnetic monopoles.

Gobbling up light with an antilaser

An unappreciated symmetry of electrodynamics enables experimenters to fabricate coherent perfect absorbers, devices that act like lasers run backward.

Symmetry and asymmetry in electrodynamics from Rowland to Einstein

Halfway through the paper in which he laid down the foundations for the theory of special relativity, Einstein concludes that “the asymmetry mentioned in the Introduction … disappears.” Making asymmetry disappear has proved to be one of Einstein's many significant moves in his annus mirabilis of 1905. This elimination of asymmetry has led many commentators to claim that Einstein was motivated by either an aesthetic or an epistemic argument which gives priority to symmetry over asymmetry. Following closely the development of electrodynamics in the period from 1880 to 1905 and the usage of the related terms reciprocity and symmetry, we suggest a different way of understanding Einstein's motivation and the path he took. In contrast to the received view, we argue that Einstein responded to a debate in the literature on electrodynamics and that he was concerned neither with an aesthetic nor with an epistemic argument; rather, his reasoning was physical in the best sense, and most original. We will show that by providing a new perspective on the relation between electricity and magnetism, Einstein succeeded in bringing the discussion of symmetry in electrodynamics to an end.

Zero Modes and Displacement Symmetry in Electrodynamics

The global residual gauge symmetry of electrodynamics, the displacement symmetry, is discussed within the Weyl-gauge formulation and used to characterize different phases of the Maxwell field coupled to matter. Unlike other global symmetries, the displacement symmetry, in the absence of interactions or in the weak coupling regime, is realized in the Nambu-Goldstone mode. The displacement symmetry will be shown to be realized in the Wigner-Weyl mode in the plasma and superconducting states; this discussion develops a novel perspective of the plasma oscillations. Other examples are the states of the Schwinger model and the non-perturbative phase of the Abelian Higgs model. The Higgs mechanism is interpreted as formation of a phase with a high degree of symmetry. Finite photon mass and shielding of external fields will be recognized as the characteristic properties of these symmetric phases.

Comment on ‘‘Symmetry in electrodynamics: A classical approach to magnetic monopoles,’’ by W. B. Zeleny [Am. J. Phys. 5 9, 412 (1991)

Comment on ‘‘Symmetry in electrodynamics: A classical approach to magnetic monopoles,’’ by W. B. Zeleny [Am. J. Phys. <b>5</b> <b>9</b>, 412 (1991)

Symmetry in electrodynamics: A classical approach to magnetic monopoles

A simple means of deriving Maxwell’s equations and the Lorentz force law from their symmetries is presented. The same approach is then used to derive the classical theory of magnetic monopoles and dual-charged particles.