Article/Document:

The Speed of Light - A Limit on Principle?

Laro Schatzer

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Summary: A physicist's view on an old controversy. Contemporary physics states that no object should be able to travel faster than the speed of light. Although the value of c appears to be enormous when compared with conventional traveling speeds, it suggests a limit which renders a practical realization of interstellar travel improbable. Surely, the question remains: Are faster-than-light speeds possible? At the present time most scientists believe that the correct answer should be "no". However, it has to be emphasized that there is no definite proof for this claim.

"Easy" Treatise

Although the value of c appears to be enormous when compared with conventional traveling speeds, it suggests a limit which renders a practical realization of interstellar travel improbable. Whereas another planet in our solar system is reachable within minutes or at least hours at the speed of light, a journey to the nearest star system Alpha Centauriwould already demand a traveling time of several years. Surely, the question remains: Are faster-than-light speeds possible? At the present time most scientists believe that the correct answer should be "no". However, it has to be emphasized that there is no definite proof for this claim. Actually, whether superluminal speeds are possible in principle depends on the real structure of the space-time continuum, which contemporary physics ignores, however. Basically, there exist two distinct notions of space-time in physics, both of which represent a possibility:

• Galilean Space-Time (GST)
• Minkowski Space-Time (MST)

It is important to note that without some definition of global time the physical quantity speed (and thus light-speed) has no definite meaning anyway. Why? Consider an example: Imagine an object moving from position A to B. Its speed v is given by the formula

Here, the start time t(A,start) and the finish time t(B,finish) are read off from two spatially separated clocks: one clock is located at point A and the other one at point B. Now, the difference of the two times in the denominator t(B,finish) - t(A,start) is an indefinite expression, unless there exists a rule how to synchronize both clocks, because clock B ignores the "current" time at clock A at first. But, in fact, the decision in favour of a particular synchronization rule is pure convention, because it seems impossible to send an "instantenous" (infinitely fast) message from A to B like "Initialize the clocks now!". Thus, the actual quantity of speed is conventional too, depending on the particular choice of the simultaneity definition.

The question concerning global time is also important in the context of different reference frames. What is a reference frame? A reference frame R is simply a coordinate system of some observer. (For instance, let us imagine a physicist experimenting in his laboratory.) The observer attaches to all physical events personal coordinates, ie. space coordinates x, y, z (where?) and a time coordinate t (when?). Another observer in his personal reference frame R' attaches to all physical events another (not necessarily equal) set of coordinates x', y', z' and t'. (Let us here imagine another physicist who is working in a train moving with constant velocity v with respect to the reference frame R.) While two events may appear simultaneous in reference frame R (happening at equal time t), does this still hold in reference frame R' (at equal time t')? And while the physical laws have a particular form in frame R, does one obtain the same formulas in frame R' also? The answer is given by a theory which relates the new coordinates x', y', z', t' to the old ones x, y, z, t. Essentially, this is what a theory of relativity is all about.

Remark: For a better understanding of the distinct space-time concepts it is fruitful to study a geometrical representation of space-time, the space-time diagram (see below). In this picture four-dimensional space-time is reduced to two dimensions. Instead of three space x, y, z and one time coordinate t, one uses only one space and the time coordinate, x and t, respectively. (Obviously, it is much more easier to draw and think in two than in four dimensions.) For reasons of convenience the units are chosen such that the speed of light equals unity c=1. Hence, a light ray, which is described by x=+ct or x=-ct, appears as a straight line in the (x,t)-plane at 45° or 135°, respectively.

The reader is encouraged to reconstruct the arguments by studying the space-time diagram. Remember that the x-axis is the line of simultaneity (ie. with constant time t=0), and that the t-axis is the line of constant position (x=0).

Galilean Space-Time

"Absolute, true and mathematical time, in itself, and from its own nature, flows equally, without relation to any thing external; and by other name called Duration. Relative, apparent, and vulgar time, is some sensible and external measure of duration by motion, whether accurate or unequable, which is commonly used instead of true time; as an hour, a day, a month, a year. It may be, that there is no equable motion, whereby time may be accurately measured. All motions may be accelerated and retarded, but the flowing of absolute time is liable to no change."

There has been a variety of attempts to describe electromagnetical waves (light) as excitations of some medium, quite in analogy to sonic waves which propagate in the medium air. The hypothetical light medium was called the ether and it was supposed to be in rest in the absolute space-time frame. (That is why the absolute frame is also called ether frame sometimes.) Since the establishment of the theory of special relativity it has become extremely unpopular among scientists to speak about an "ether". But it is well known that electromagnetical waves can be indeed interpreted as excitations of some "medium". However, this medium is not a solid or a liquid in the sense of classical physics, but it is governed by the laws of quantum mechanics. In quantum field theory it is simply called vacuum ("void"). Some physicists prefer to interprete the vacuum as space-time itself, but this does not cover the fact that its true nature still remains a mystery. Anyhow, the term quantum ether might be used to indicate a thinkable modern synthesis of both concepts.

Minkowski Space-Time

1) All physical laws appear according to the same laws in all reference frames.
2) The speed of light is constant in all reference frames.

Now, how does the theory of relativity allow to compare the relative time of two events at distant positions? How can one synchronize clocks being spatially separated? The definition Albert Einstein offered, which is completely equivalent to his second postulate, is the following:

Choose two clocks (let us label them 1 and 2) in some reference frame R. In order to synchronize them place a mirror at position 2, then emit a light signal from clock 1 at space-time point A. The light signal arrives at clock 2 at space-time point B, it is reflected in the opposite direction and arrives at clock 1 at space-time point C (see the space-time diagram below). Since the speed of light is per definition constant and the light signal travels the same distance in both directions, the instant t(B) of the reflection equals exactly t(P), which is in the mean-time of A and C. Or, more formally, t(B) = t(P) = (t(A)+t(C))/2.

Now, because absolute time and thus the Newtonian reference frame have disappeared in the theory of special relativity, all reference frames are completely equivalent. This implies that two superluminally separated events in space-time can be made instantenous by choosing a particular reference frame. Hence, present appears no more as a simple line in the space-time diagram, but it equals the whole region of "faster-than-light" processes. Furthermore, since there is no absolute reference frame separating the regions of superluminal past and future, faster-than-light motion in Minkowski space-time implies the possibility of time travel. Therefore, because this leads to the well known severe logical paradoxes of time travel, the theory of special relativity excludes faster-than-light speeds a priori.

Summary

Are there indications that absolute time and faster-than-light processes exist? The opinion of the author is "yes"! It is the task of the next section to present some physical evidence.

Physical Treatise

where the relative speed v of R' with respect to R is chosen to be parallel to the x-axis. The transformation properly expresses the apparent contraction of moving rods (Lorentz-Fitzgerald contraction) and the slowing of moving clocks (time dilation). The function S(x') simply determines the notion of simultaneity in frame R'. Generally, S(x') can be an arbitrary function, but it is convenient to impose S(0) = 0 such that the clocks of the reference frames R and R' are synchronized at the origin (x,t) = (0,0) = (x',t'). Furthermore, in order to avoid acceleratory effects, one usually imposes that S(x') is linear in x', ie. S(x') = s x'.

Minkowski Space-Time

with the speed of light c' = dr'/dt'(r=ct) = c constant in all frames. Thus, from the viewpoint of relativity, all reference frames are completely equivalent.

The first postulate ensures that physical phenomena have the same appearance in all reference frames, in the sense that one obtains the same result for all measurable quantities being but mean round-trip quantities (eg. the mean two-way speed of light). The second postulate states that there is no preferred reference frame and thus the physical laws (when expressed in formulas using global coordinates) appear equally in all reference frames. The space-time coordinates (Lorentz coordinates) are defined in such a way that the one-way speed of light is constant.

The success of the theory of relativity can be understood from the fact that the possibility to formulate all physical laws covariantly, ie. in a relativistically invariant manner, appears most tempting. One cannot deny that the involved mathematics is highly attractive from an esthetical point of view. For more information on special relativity and the principle of covariance one may consult eg. [3], [4].

Galilean Space-Time

It has to be emphasized that these equations are not equivalent although similar to the well-known transformation equations of Galilean relativity,

as the former equations contain additional time dilation and length contraction factors expressing the Lorentz-Fitzgerald contraction hypothesis.

In the Galilean framework the reference frame R (with unprimed coordinates x, t) has a special significance: It is the Newtonian frame of absolute time and space.

Although the one-way speed of light is not constant in general (ie. when expressed in an arbitrary reference frame), the mean-speed c of a round-trip is again constant [2], what is in accordance with all experiments (like Michelson-Morley a.s.o.). It should be emphasized again that there has been no experiment which determined the one-way speed of light [3], since this would require the possibility of synchronizing physical clocks by some other means than finite-speed signals. Thus, in fact, some "experimental proof" of the constancy of the one-way speed of light has not been given so far.

Remark: It has to be noted that H. A. Lorentz version of the ether theory (which is set in such a Newtonian framework), ie. Lorentz relativity, is a valid alternative to special relativity. It suffices to introduce the hypothesis that moving particles are contracted by some interaction with the ether (Lorentz-FitzGerald contraction), and that internal time is dilated by the same factor.

Which Space-Time Structure is Real?

Non-covariance of quantum mechanics and the EPR effect

1) The unitary time evolution |s(t)> = U(t) |s(0)>
2) The reduction of the state |s(t)> into an eigenstate of an observable P |s(t)> in case of measurement by an observer, where P is a projection operator. This is the famous "collapse of the wavefunction".

If it turns out that the "measurement process" is not only a true physical but also technically controlable process then a straightforward consequence is the possibility of superluminal communication by means of the EPR mechanism.

The Problem Of Time in Quantum Mechanics

Some Arguments in Favour of Absolute Time

Moreover, further arguments can be found which might motivate the reintroduction of (Galilean) absolute time to physics:

First, if there exists a physical absolute time, then the number of fundamental constants is reduced by one, since the (one-way) speed of light is not a constant any longer. This leads to a simplification and a new interpretation of the physical quantities and constants [2].

Second, it is well known that one can define a universal time, appearing in cosmological models. For instance, in general relativity one finds the Robertson-Walker metric [11], describing the long-range space-time structure of our universe:

Here, the time parameter t defines an universal time, the cosmological time. If there was an absolute beginning (with the big bang), it can be identified with the age of the universe. Evidently, adopting absolute time would give this time parameter a further physical meaning. And, of course, there exists a measurable preferred reference frame, which can be determined, for instance, from the absolute motion towards the uniform cosmic background radiation.

Interestingly, recent investigations of electromagnetic radiation propagating over cosmological distances seem to reveal a true anisotropy in the structure of our universe, suggesting that the speed of light might be not a true constant, but dependent on direction and polarization. These results might possibly represent a further indication in favour of the existence of an absolute reference frame [13].

Summary

• The time evolution of a quantum mechanical state has no covariant representation, because the "measurement process" cannot be described in a relativistically invariant manner.
• EPR-like effects seem to indicate non-local (superluminal) processes.
• It is impossible to construct a quantum time observable, so that no covariant 4-position operator exists.
• From a cosmological perspective the existence of a preferred reference frame appears to be natural.

Conclusion: If our universe has a Newtonian background, ie. if there is an absolute time underlying the space-time continuum, then there is no threat on causality by superluminal processes, because time travel and its paradoxes are excluded a priori. And thus, within this framework, faster-than-light travel is possible, at least in principle.

Remark: It may be a surprise for many physicists that even within the framework of general relativity faster-than-light speed is allowed, provided that the space-time metric of the universe is globally hyperbolic [14]. This condition simply implies that closed time-like paths in space-time (and thus time-travel) are excluded, so that causality is again preserved. (In this framework, the cosmological time parameter can be again interpreted as the absolute time of the universe. However, in order to construct a propulsion mechanism for faster-than-light travel, exotic matter (with imaginary mass) would probably be needed in order to produce negative energy densities in space. Unfortunately, exotic matter is not known to exist, although negative energy densities have been shown to appear in quantum field theory. But, of course, such a hypothetical propulsion mechanism just provokes to be given the familiar name of the warp drive.

References

[1]I. Newton: "Mathematical Principles of natural philosophy", (London, Dawson, 1969)
[2]J. P. Hsu, L. Hsu: "A physical theory based solely on the first postulate of relativity", Physics Letters A 196 (1994), pgs. 1-6; F. Selleri: "Theories equivalent to special relativity", in Frontiers of Fundamental Physics, edited by M. Barone and F. Selleri, (Plenum Press, New York, 1994)
[3]H. Reichenbach: "The philosophy of space and time", (Dover, New York, 1958)
[4]J. D. Jackson: "Classical electrodynamics", (Wiley, New York, 1975), chapter 11
[5]Y. Aharonov, D. Z. Albert: "Can we make sense of the measurement process in relativistic quantum mechanics?", Physical Review D 24 (1981), pgs. 359-370; A. Peres: "Relativistic Quantum Measurements", Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, Volume 755 (1995) ("Fundamental Problems in Quantum Theory"), pgs. 445-450
[6]A. Einstein, B. Podolsky, N. Rosen: "Can quantum-mechanical description of physical reality be considered complete?", Physical Review 47 (1935), pp. 777
[7]J. S. Bell: "On the Einstein Podolsky Rosen paradox", Physics 1 (1964), No. 3, pp. 195
[8]A. Aspect et al.: "Experimental realization of Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen-Bohm gedankenexperiment: A new violation of Bell's inequalities", Physical Review Letters 49 (1982), No. 2, p. 91; "Experimental test of Bell's inequalities using time-varying analyzers", Physical Review Letters 49 (1982), No. 25, pp. 1804
[9]R. Y. Chiao, P. G. Kwiat, A. M. Steinberg: "Faster than light?", in Scientific American(1993), August
[10]O. Steinmann: "The EPR Bingo", Helv. Phys. Acta, Vol. 69 (1996), pgs. 702-705
[11]S. Weinberg: "Gravitation and cosmology", (Wiley, New York, 1972), chapter 14
[12]C. J. Isham: "Prima Facie Questions in Quantum Gravity": Relativity, Classical and Quantum, eds. J. Ehlers and H. Friedrich, Springer-Verlag, Berlin (1994), e-print:gr-qc/9310031; G. K. Au: "The Quest for Quantum Gravity", e-print:gr-qc/9506001
[13]B. Nodland, J. P. Ralston: "Indication of Anisotropy in Electromagnetic Propagation over Cosmological Distances", Physical Review Letters 78 (1997), No. 16. 3043-3046; e-print:astro-ph/9704196; see also here
[14]M. Alcubierre: "The warp drive: hyper-fast travel within general relativity". Classical and Quantum Gravity 11 (1994), pgs. L73-L77, see also here.

Related Pages on the Web

Special Relativity:

• Rob Salgado: "The Light Cone - An Illuminating Introduction to Relativity".
• Alan Pendleton: "Was Einstein right?"offers another critical look at Einstein's theory of special relativity.

On the Nature of Space-Time:

• Amara Graps:"Ether: What is it?"
• Albert Einstein: "Ether and the Theory of Relativity". It was only 11 years, from 1905 to 1916, that Albert Einstein did not believe in the existence of an ether. In 1920, some years after the publication of his theory of general relativity, he expressed his opinion in favour of an existing ether in a talk at the University of Leyden.
• Sten Odenwald: "The physical vacuum of space".

Alternative Gravity Theories:

• Yilmaz Theory of Gravity, a new gravity theory that seems to resolve the defects of general relativityand that appears to be closer to some kind of "ether" interpretation of the gravitational field.

Quantum Mechanics:

• Anton Zeilinger: Interpretation and Philosophical Foundation of Quantum Mechanics: An excellent summary of existing (meta-)physical interpretations of the "measurement process".
• John G. Cramer: a nice summary on quantum nonlocality and the possibility of superluminal effects(FTL communcation being excluded using the transactional interpretation of quantum mechanics).

"Grand Unified Theories":

• Brian Greene: "Superstring Theory". Superstring theory appears to be a very promising attempt to unite all fundamental forces including gravity, but it is also not able to resolve the measurement problem. However, it resides on a fixed space-time background, and it does allow the existence of a background time parameter.

Cosmology:

• Borge Nodland: "A Peek into the Crystal Ball of an Anisotropic Universe": Recent measurements on the propagation of radio waves over cosmological distances seem to indicate that our universe possesses a preferred direction in space.

Interstellar Travel:

• "Warp Drive When?": What NASA has to say about interstellar travel.
• Break Through Propulsion Physics: a workshop at NASA on new propulsion technologies.
• John G. Cramer: "Space Drives": A collection of articles published in Analog, amongst a well-done discussion of Miguel Alcubierre's paper on the warp driveand as a followup the Krasnikov tube: a subway to the stars.

Read more articles on this topic:

Speed of Light Limit