Fresnel vs. Einstein - a New Direct Test

Abstract

When the phase velocity of light in a moving medium is used to predict the phase velocity of that light relative to a stationary observer then the Einstein low speed approximation to his velocity addition equation and the Fresnel drag equation both predict the exact same result. Therefore existing interference fringe shift experiments do not differentiate between the Fresnel and Einstein predictions. However, when the group velocity of light is used, the Fresnel prediction and the Einstein prediction are different. When Fresnel predictions based on group velocity are made for the proposed experiment, the difference in round trip arrival times for the two halves of a split laser pulse is substantial. When Einstein predictions based on group velocity are made the difference in round trip times is, of course, zero. Thus a positive result for the proposed experiment would violate Special Relativity Theory (SRT) with regards to the relativity of simultaneity and suggest that the Lorentz-Poincare' physical viewpoint on the SRT equations is a better viewpoint.If the Einstein prediction for group velocity is not correct, then when positive data for the experiment configuration shown in Figure 1.0 is collected at various orientations at different times of the day it is possible to identify a local preferred reference frame in which the speed of light is actually (not just apparently) isotropic. This reference frame could be used in place of star reference frames for spacecraft navigation. Other implications of a local preferred reference frame are explained in the paper.

On an Optical Paradox: Theory and Experiment

“…Rejecting the terms of higher order, we come to the formula = / + (1 − 1/ ), where -light speed in vacuum, and -refractive index. This expression, valid for phase velocities, fully coincides with a version, which Fresnel got many years before Einstein and was verified by the Fizeau experiment (Wagner, 2015). In the proper reference frame ( ′, ′) of the exploding device nothing changes because both cables are stationary and due to a whole symmetry bomb blows up.…”

On an Optical Paradox in Special Relativity

“…c -light speed in vacuum, and n -refractive index. This expression, valid for phase velocities, fully coincides with a version, which Fresnel got many years before Einstein and was verified by the Fizeau experiment[5]. In the proper ref-erence frame ( ) , x y ′ ′ of the exploding device nothing changes because both cables are stationary and due to a whole symmetry bomb blows up.…”

“…That is why either real experimental testing of the relativity of simultaneity would be of great importance. Such an acceptable experiment is suggested in a paper by Wagner [5], where light itself fulfils the function of locomotive. Wagner is able to show that the Fresnel and Einstein predictions differ when a direct comparison of laser pulse arrival times is made for moving clockwise and counter clockwise dual medium fiber optic loops.…”

“…Notice, the delay T ∆ by Fresnel differs from that by Einstein not just with value but even has opposite sign: the left fiberglass cable turns to be more rapid than the right one, contrary to the Einstein case. This feature stems from the starting expressions for group velocity given by Fresnel (8) and Einstein (11), which validity is subject to an experimental checking suggested in [5]. Objective choice may be done between Fresnel and Einstein views with the aid of an up-to-date laboratory equipment.…”

Critical Comments on the Paper “On the Logical Inconsistency of the Special Theory of Relativity”

“…As regard the question of an authentic critical approach, real (not imaginary!) inconsistencies indwelling to the special relativity theory are pointed out and critics of in the papers [8] [9] [10] [11].…”