Transverse and longitudinal angular momenta of light

This textbook explores approximate solutions to general relativity and their consequences. It offers a unique presentation of Einstein's theory by developing powerful methods that can be applied to astrophysical systems. Beginning with a uniquely thorough treatment of Newtonian gravity, the book develops post-Newtonian and post-Minkowskian approximation methods to obtain weak-field solutions to the Einstein field equations. The book explores the motion of self-gravitating bodies, the physics of gravitational waves, and the impact of radiative losses on gravitating systems. It concludes with a brief overview of alternative theories of gravity. Ideal for graduate courses on general relativity and relativistic astrophysics, the book examines real-life applications, such as planetary motion around the Sun, the timing of binary pulsars, and gravitational waves emitted by binary black holes. Text boxes explore related topics and provide historical context, and over 100 exercises present challenging tests of the material covered in the main text.

Gravity: Newtonian, Post-Newtonian, Relativistic

This thesis is a contribution to the debate on the implications of quantum information theory for the foundations of quantum mechanics. In Part 1, the logical and conceptual status of various notions of information is assessed. It is emphasized that the everyday notion of information is to be firmly distinguished from the technical notions arising in information theory; however it is maintained that in both settings `information' functions as an abstract noun, hence does not refer to a particular or substance (the worth of this point is illustrated in application to quantum teleportation). The claim that `Information is Physical' is assessed and argued to face a destructive dilemma. Accordingly, the slogan may not be understood as an ontological claim, but at best, as a methodological one. The reflections of Bruckner and Zeilinger (2001) and Deutsch and Hayden (2000) on the nature of information in quantum mechanics are critically assessed and some results presented on the characterization of entanglement in the Deutsch-Hayden formalism. Some philosophical aspects of quantum computation are discussed and general morals drawn concerning the nature of quantum information theory. In Part II, following some preliminary remarks, two particular information-theoretic approaches to the foundations of quantum mechanics are assessed in detail. It is argued that Zeilinger's (1999) Foundational Principle is unsuccessful as a foundational principle for quantum mechanics. The information-theoretic characterization theorem of Clifton, Bub and Halvorson (2003) is assessed more favourably, but the generality of the approach is questioned and it is argued that the implications of the theorem for the traditional foundational problems in quantum mechanics remains obscure.

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Quantum Information Theory and the Foundations of Quantum Mechanics

The relativistic addition law for parallel velocities is derived directly from the principle of relativity and a few simple assumptions of smoothness and symmetry, without making use of the principle of the constancy of the velocity of light.

Relativity without light

A limiting proper acceleration in nature follows deductively from known physics and compels the union of spacetime and four-velocity space into a maximal-acceleration invariant phase space having an intrinsic Kaluza-Klein-type fiber-bundle structure with manifest gauge properties. The Riemann curvature scalar of the bundle manifold is determined, and a possible action principle is considered to serve as a basis for the generation of field equations.

Maximal proper acceleration and the structure of spacetime

Part 1 The foundations of special relativity: schematic account of the Michelson - Morley experiment inertial frames in special relativity Einstein's two axioms for special relativity coordinates - the relativity of time derivation of the Lorentz transformation properties of the Lorentz transformation. Part 2 Relativistic kinematics: length contraction the length contraction paradox time dilation the twin paradox velocity transformation. Part 3 Relativistic optics: the drag effect the Doppler effect aberration and the visual appearance of moving objects. Part 4 Spacetime: spacetime and 4-tensors the Minkowski map of spacetime rules for the manipulation of 4-tensors 4-velocity and 4-acceleration wave motion. Part 5 Relativistic particle mechanics: the conservation of 4-momentum the equivalence of mass and energy some 4-momentum identities relativistic billiards the centre of momentum frame threshold energies De Broglie waves photons the angular momentum 4-tensor 3-force and 4-force relativistic analytic mechanics. Part 6 Relativity and electromagnetism: the formal structure of Maxwell's theory transformation of "e" and "b" - the deal field potential and field of an arbitrarily moving charge field of a uniformly moving charge the electromagnetic energy tensor electromagnetic waves. Part 7 Relativistic mechanics of continua: preliminaries external and internal forces the augmented momentum and mass densities the equations of continuity and of motion the mechanical energy tensor perfect fluids and incoherent fluids integral conservation laws. Appendix - tensors for special relativity.

Lyle Hoffman

Papers

Introduction to special relativity