Astronomical Tests of the Einstein Equivalence Principle

Details Astronomical Tests of the Einstein Equivalence Principle Astronomical Tests of the Einstein Equivalence Principle

2003-05-22

arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/0305083v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

PhD thesis, written at the Max-Planck-Institute for Aeronomy, Germany. A high resolution postscript version can be found at

Scientific paper

The Einstein equivalence principle is certainly a key element in the development of new enhanced theories of gravity. Although being an important building block in Einstein's general relativity, theoretically predicted violations of its validity are a main feature in alternative, nonmetric gravitation theories if they are able to incorporate quantum mechanical principles. We have investigated the metric-affine gauge theory of gravity which predict that a gravitational field singles out an orthogonal pair of polarization states of light that propagate with different phase velocities. This gravity-induced birefringence implies that propagation through a gravitational field can alter the polarization of light and, so, violates the Einstein equivalence principle. We use solar and white dwarf polarimetric data to constrain birefringence induced by the gravitational field of these objects and set limits on coupling constants required by such theories.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Astronomical Tests of the Einstein Equivalence Principle does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Astronomical Tests of the Einstein Equivalence Principle, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Astronomical Tests of the Einstein Equivalence Principle will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-41053