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On the concept of simultaneity in relativity

Justo Pastor Lambare

Abstract

In this comment, we demonstrate that the claim by Spavieri et al., asserting that Wang et al.'s interferometric experiment disproves the special theory of relativity by revealing that simultaneity must be an absolute concept independent of the observer's state of motion, is based on circular reasoning and therefore constitutes a logical fallacy.

On the concept of simultaneity in relativity

Abstract

In this comment, we demonstrate that the claim by Spavieri et al., asserting that Wang et al.'s interferometric experiment disproves the special theory of relativity by revealing that simultaneity must be an absolute concept independent of the observer's state of motion, is based on circular reasoning and therefore constitutes a logical fallacy.
Paper Structure (7 sections, 23 equations, 4 figures)

This paper contains 7 sections, 23 equations, 4 figures.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. The Wang experiment
  3. The Inconsistency Claim
  4. Analysis of the "missing path" and "time gap"
  5. Missing path according to Spavieri et al.
  6. Explication of the "missing path paradox"
  7. Conclusions

Figures (4)

  • Figure 1: Wang interferometer. Two beams are generated at the source (S) and then detected after returning to the detector (D). The $S/D$ device is fixed to the fiber optic medium, which is assumed to have refractive index $n=1$ and is set in motion with linear speed $\nu$ by the rotating wheels $A$ and $B$.
  • Figure 2: The clock $C^*$ is stationary with respect to the fiber optic and moving with speed $\nu$ with respect to the laboratory reference frame
  • Figure 3: In the LAB frame, the two distant events "the clock is at $A$" and "the photon is at $B$" are simultaneous.
  • Figure 4: Wang interferometer as seen from $S"$ where the lower fiber section is instantaneously at rest.