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Quantum gravitational optics

Graham Shore

Contemp. Phys., Volume: 44, Issue: 6, Pages: 503 - 521

Swansea University Author: Graham Shore

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DOI (Published version): 10.1080/00107510310001617106

Abstract

In quantum theory, the curved spacetime of Einstein’s general theory of relativity acts as a dispersive optical medium for the propagation of light. Gravitational rainbows and birefringence replace the classical picture of light rays mapping out the null geodesics of curved spacetime. Even more rema...

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Published in: Contemp. Phys.
Published: 2003
Online Access: http://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/0304059
URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa17506
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Abstract: In quantum theory, the curved spacetime of Einstein’s general theory of relativity acts as a dispersive optical medium for the propagation of light. Gravitational rainbows and birefringence replace the classical picture of light rays mapping out the null geodesics of curved spacetime. Even more remarkably, superluminal propagation becomes a real possibility, raising the question of whether it is possible to send signals into the past. In this article, we review recent developments in the quantum theory of light propagation in general relativity and discuss whether superluminal light is compatible with causality.
College: Faculty of Science and Engineering
Issue: 6
Start Page: 503
End Page: 521