Isotropic and anisotropic propagation of light

In summary, there is disagreement about whether there is an inertial reference frame in which light in free space propagates isotropically, with some experiments showing evidence for anisotropy in light propagation. This is a fundamental concept in relativity and has been studied and debated for many years.
  • #106
Aether said:
Please show how SR and GGT make different predictions (from one another) when these terms are included in eq. (1).

I did that , over hundreds of posts. Remember, I rewrote the whole damn theory of the Gagnon experiment.
So we arrived together to the last issue: the subtraction of waveforms vs. the addition. You just accepted that waveforms can be SUBTRACTED (duh! high school stuff) therefore resulting into the ADDITION of phases. (something that you argued over tens of posts). Now you want to start over from the beginning? One last gasp diversion? Just go over the posts, it is all there, readily calculated for you.

Now, if you are really serious about re-enacting Gagnon, I can supply these calculations. Actually I can post them on this website.

And, BTW, since we last talked, 3-4 more papers on experimental disproofs of light speed anisotropy have been published in Physical Reviews. So,things look grim(mer) for the "aether" theories. I can supply the new papers to be added to your homework. You need to refute all of them in order to prove your point. In 5 months you haven't refuted even one.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #107
clj4 said:
So we arrived together to the last issue: the subtraction of waveforms vs. the addition. You just accepted that waveforms can be SUBTRACTED (duh! high school stuff) therefore resulting into the ADDITION of phases. (something that you argued over tens of posts).
I simulated the addition of two sine waves using the new Eq. 7 and changing values of v_z, and the amplitude of the composite sine wave is invariant over changes of v_z.

Now, if you are really serious about re-enacting Gagnon, I can supply these calculations. Actually I can post them on this website.
I'm not planning on re-enacting the Gagnon experiment, but I would do it if a plausible calculation showed that there might be an interesting result. The instrument that I'm building is for the gas-mode interferometry experiment.

And, BTW, since we last talked, 3-4 more papers on experimental disproofs of light speed anisotropy have been published in Physical Reviews. So,things look grim(mer) for the "aether" theories. I can supply the new papers to be added to your homework. You need to refute all of them in order to prove your point. In 5 months you haven't refuted even one.
Measurments of two-way light speed anisotropy are fine. Both GGT and SR predict the same outcome for two-way experiments. It is only claims of coordinate-system independent one-way speed/anisotropy measurements that are at issue here.
 
Last edited:
  • #108
Aether said:
I simulated the addition of two sine waves using the new Eq. 7 and changing values of v_z, and the amplitude of the composite sine wave is invariant over changes of v_z.
Try reading and comprehending:

"So we arrived together to the last issue: the SUBTRACTION of waveforms vs. the addition. You just accepted that waveforms can be SUBTRACTED (duh! high school stuff) therefore resulting into the ADDITION of phases. (something that you argued over tens of posts). Now you want to start over from the beginning? One last gasp diversion? Just go over the posts, it is all there, readily calculated for you."

Try SUBTRACTION, ok?

I'm not planning on re-enacting the Gagnon experiment, but I would do it if a plausible calculation showed that there might be an interesting result. The instrument that I'm building is for the gas-mode interferometry experiment.

You are wasting your time, independent of each other Consoli and Cahill published already on this subject. Both Cahill (a wll known antirelativist) and Consoli ( a well known "aetherist") seem ignorant of the fact that the experiments have been run already, about 30-40 years ago. Guess the result?

Measurments of two-way light speed anisotropy are fine. Both GGT and SR predict the same outcome for two-way experiments. It is only claims of coordinate-system independent one-way speed/anisotropy measurements that are at issue here.

From the other thread, in the unlikely case you missed it:

"It has been explained to you numerous times (quite a few times in this thread) that the formalisms employed in describing the theory have no bearing on the outcome of the experiments as long as the formalisms are valid and equivalent.
You keep trying to cancel out valid experiments based on the formalism (coordinate dependent vs. independent) used in describing the theories. When you made the feeblest attempt at calculating anything you failed miserably, if you are so convinced that you are right, please rewrite the theory of any of the papers below in your formalism of choice and see what you get."
1. C.M.Will “Clock Synchronization and isotropy of one-way speed of light”, Phys.Rev. D, 45, 2 (1992)

2. D.R.Gagnon, D.G.Torr, P.T.Kolen, T.Chang “Guided-wave measurement of the one-way speed of light”, Phys.Rev. A, 38, 4 (1988)

3. T.Chang , “Maxwell’s equations in anisotropic space”, Phys.Lett, 70A, 1 (1979)

4. T.Krisher, L.Maleki, G.Lutes, L.Primas, R.Logan, J.Anderson, C.Will, Phys. Rev. D, 42, 2, (1990)

5. S. Herrmann, A. Senger, E. Kovalchuk, H. Müller, A. Peters: "Test of the isotropy of the speed of light using a continuously rotating optical resonator", Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, (2005)

6. T. Chang, D. Torr, “Dual properties of spacetime under an alternative Lorentz transformation”, Found. Of Phys. Lett, 1, 4, (1988)

7. T.Chang, D.Torr, D.Gagnon, “A modified Lorentz theory as a test theory of special relativity”, ”, Found. Of Phys. Lett, 1, 4, (1988)

8. S.Schiller, P.Antonini, M.Okhapkin “A precision test of the isotropy of the speed of light using rotating cryogenic optical cavities” Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, 150401 (2005)

9. Lipa, J. A., Nissen, J. A., Wang, S., Stricker, D. A., and Avaloff, D. “A New Limit on Signals of Lorentz Violation in Electrodynamics” Phys. Rev. Lett. 90, 060403 (2003)

10. Wolf, P., Bize, S., Clairon, A., Santarelli, G., Tobar, M. E., and Luiten, A. N. “Improved Test of Lorentz Invariance in Electrodynamics” Phys. Rev. D 70, 051902(R) (2004)
 
Last edited:
  • #109
clj4 said:
Try reading and comprehending:

"So we arrived together to the last issue: the SUBTRACTION of waveforms vs. the addition. You just accepted that waveforms can be SUBTRACTED (duh! high school stuff) therefore resulting into the ADDITION of phases. (something that you argued over tens of posts). Now you want to start over from the beginning? One last gasp diversion? Just go over the posts, it is all there, readily calculated for you."

Try SUBTRACTION, ok?
I simulated both the addition and subtraction of two sine waves and the amplitude of the composite wave is invariant over changes in v_z. I can show you the source code of the simulation if you want.

You are wasting your time, independent of each other Consoli and Cahill published already on this subject. Both Cahill (a wll known antirelativist) and Consoli ( a well known "aetherist") seem ignorant of the fact that the experiments have been run already, about 30-40 years ago. Guess the result?
Cahill stipulated in at least one of his papers that neither solid nor fluid refractive media yield an interesting result. It is specifically gas-mode interferometry that is to be tested. Do you know of any paper that specifically rules out an effect in gas-mode? The only reason that I'm doing the experiment is that I couldn't find any such reference.

From the other thread, in the unlikely case you missed it:

"It has been explained to you numerous times (quite a few times in this thread) that the formalisms employed in describing the theory have no bearing on the outcome of the experiments as long as the formalisms are valid and equivalent.
You keep trying to cancel out valid experiments based on the formalism (coordinate dependent vs. independent) used in describing the theories. When you made the feeblest attempt at calculating anything you failed miserably, if you are so convinced that you are right, please rewrite the theory of any of the papers below in your formalism of choice and see what you get."

1. C.M.Will “Clock Synchronization and isotropy of one-way speed of light”, Phys.Rev. D, 45, 2 (1992)

2. D.R.Gagnon, D.G.Torr, P.T.Kolen, T.Chang “Guided-wave measurement of the one-way speed of light”, Phys.Rev. A, 38, 4 (1988)

3. T.Chang , “Maxwell’s equations in anisotropic space”, Phys.Lett, 70A, 1 (1979)

4. T.Krisher, L.Maleki, G.Lutes, L.Primas, R.Logan, J.Anderson, C.Will, Phys. Rev. D, 42, 2, (1990)

5. S. Herrmann, A. Senger, E. Kovalchuk, H. Müller, A. Peters: "Test of the isotropy of the speed of light using a continuously rotating optical resonator", Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, (2005)

6. T. Chang, D. Torr, “Dual properties of spacetime under an alternative Lorentz transformation”, Found. Of Phys. Lett, 1, 4, (1988)

7. T.Chang, D.Torr, D.Gagnon, “A modified Lorentz theory as a test theory of special relativity”, ”, Found. Of Phys. Lett, 1, 4, (1988)

8. S.Schiller, P.Antonini, M.Okhapkin “A precision test of the isotropy of the speed of light using rotating cryogenic optical cavities” Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, 150401 (2005)

9. Lipa, J. A., Nissen, J. A., Wang, S., Stricker, D. A., and Avaloff, D. “A New Limit on Signals of Lorentz Violation in Electrodynamics” Phys. Rev. Lett. 90, 060403 (2003)

10. Wolf, P., Bize, S., Clairon, A., Santarelli, G., Tobar, M. E., and Luiten, A. N. “Improved Test of Lorentz Invariance in Electrodynamics” Phys. Rev. D 70, 051902(R) (2004)
I will consider these papers only if 1) you will agree to answer direct questions, or 2) you can get either Hurkyl, pervect, JesseM, gregory, or coalquay404 to second your motion (e.g., to agree with you that they are relevant and support your claims).
 
Last edited:
  • #110
Aether said:
I simulated both the addition and subtraction of two sine waves and the amplitude of the composite wave is invariant over changes in v_z. I can show you the source code of the simulation if you want.

That's because you are working of Gagnon formula no (7) which is wrong. I corrected it by solving the correct partial differential equations. So you wasted your time "simulating" the wrong thing.
Cahill stipulated in at least one of his papers that neither solid nor fluid refractive media yield an interesting result. It is specifically gas-mode interferometry that is to be tested. Do you know of any paper that specifically rules out an effect in gas-mode? The only reason that I'm doing the experiment is that I couldn't find any such reference.

In his paper , Cahill shows that he has no clue in applying relativity correctly for linterferometers immersed in a refractive medium, WHATEVER THE MEDIUM. So his remark is pure nonsense. He makes a mistake right at the beginning of his paper and it goes downhill from there. He published in 2003 but he never went back to actually run the experiment, wonder why?. Either way, the point is moot, this type of experiment had already been run (about 40 years ago), guess the result?

I will consider these papers only if 1) you will agree to answer direct questions, or 2) you can get either Hurkyl, pervect, JesseM, gregory, or coalquay404 to second your motion (e.g., to agree with you that they are relevant).

Gregory? Your "sock puppet" sidekick? He's been suspended for ethics violations, remember?

Anyway, the papers of Cahill and Consoli are both IRRELEVANT. If you read carefully my post you would have noticed that :

-Cahill and Consoli never ran anything (pretty much like you)
-Both Cahill and Consoli made calculation errors in their respective papers (pretty much...)
-Finally and most importantly some competent people have already run this type of experiments some 40 years ago and...guess the results

This is why I said that you are wasting your time.
 
Last edited:
  • #111
clj4 said:
That's because you are working of Gagnon formula no (7) which is wrong. I corrected it by solving the correct partial differential equations. So you wasted your time "simulating" the wrong thing.
Here are the equations that I used (they are in c-code):
k_0=-(omega/c_0)*(v_z/c_0)+powl(omega*omega-omega_mn*omega_mn,0.5)/c_0;
k_1=-(omega/c_0)*(v_z/c_0)+powl(omega*omega-omega_pq*omega_pq,0.5)/c_0;

O_0=A*cos(k_0*z-omega*t);
O_1=A*cos(k_1*z-omega*t);

In his paper , Cahill shows that he has no clue in applying relativity correctly for linterferometers immersed in a refractive medium, WHATEVER THE MEDIUM. So his remark is pure nonsense. He makes a mistake right at the beginning of his paper and it goes downhill from there. He published in 2003 but he never went back to actually run the experiment, wonder why?. Either way, the point is moot, this type of experiment had already been run (about 40 years ago), guess the result?
Please cite an experiment that has already been run in gas-mode.
 
  • #112
Aether said:
Here are the equations that I used (they are in c-code):
k_0=-(omega/c_0)*(v_z/c_0)+powl(omega*omega-omega_mn*omega_mn,0.5)/c_0;
k_1=-(omega/c_0)*(v_z/c_0)+powl(omega*omega-omega_pq*omega_pq,0.5)/c_0;

O_0=A*cos(k_0*z-omega*t);
O_1=A*cos(k_1*z-omega*t);

Yes, they are the result of solving the partial differential equation incorrectly, remember? We have run hundreds of posts on this subject.
As such, they are wrong. You'll need to find the correct ones on your own.

Please cite an experiment that has already been run in gas-mode.
You don't understand, do you? You found a new antirelativist to follow, mr. Cahill. All materials behave the same, so gas, perspex, glass are one and the same thing. So Cahill's "gas-mode" is a red herring. And you are wasting your time. Can you figure out the error in Cahill's "analysis"? (Hint: he doesn't know relativity)
 
  • #113
clj4 said:
Yes, they are the result of solving the partial differential equation incorrectly, remember? We have run hundreds of posts on this subject.
As such, they are wrong. You'll need to find the correct ones on your own.
If these aren't the equations that you are referring to, then please show me the ones that you are referring to.
 
  • #114
Aether said:
If these aren't the equations that you are referring to, then please show me the ones that you are referring to.

You'll need to find the correct ones on your own.
 
  • #115
clj4 said:
Aether said:
If these aren't the equations that you are referring to, then please show me the ones that you are referring to.
You'll need to find the correct ones on your own.
The Gagnon et al paper stands as both recanted by at least three of the original four authors, and thoroughly refuted here by gregory and myself. Unless there is an objection by someone other than you clj4, then your claims are dismissed by unanimous consent; the other references that you cite but refuse to answer direct questions about do not appear to support your case and they are dismissed; and the equations that you refer to but refuse to write out are dismissed.
 
  • #116
Aether said:
The Gagnon et al paper stands as both recanted by at least three of the original four authors, and thoroughly refuted here by gregory and myself. Unless there is an objection by someone other than you clj4, then your claims are dismissed by unanimous consent; the other references that you cite but refuse to answer direct questions about do not appear to support your case and they are dismissed; and the equations that you refer to but refuse to write out are dismissed.

You tried this before about three times: "unanimous consent" is you and a "sock puppet" that has long been banned for unethical behavior (BTW, he couldn't write a correct equation either). It doesn't make your claims right-it just makes them ridiculous.
You (as everyone else) can read the papers on the subject matter: the experiments refute the idea of light speed anisotropy. Since you have an ax to grind (the papers seem to refute your own flavor of "aether" theory), you obviously cannot be objective. I explained the papers to you, numerous times, the fact that refuse the obvious doesn't make the papers go away. There are plenty others that can make up their minds on their own, this is why I put up the papers. Your biased opinion doesn't change the truth.

I offered to give you the Gagnon equations but seeing the arrogance with which you dismiss the work of others (in the context of your being unable to write even one equation right) as well as your disrespect for peer refereed papers I decided not to, just to make you work a little such that you learn respect.
 
Last edited:
  • #117
clj4 said:
You tried this before about three times: "unanimous consent" is you and a "sock puppet" that has long been banned for unethical behavior (BTW, he couldn't write a correct equation either). It doesn't make your claims right-it just makes them ridiculous.
Unanimous consent automatically includes everyone who has read and understood these posts and does not object.

You (as everyone else) can read the papers on the subject matter: the experiments refute the idea of light speed anisotropy. Since you have an ax to grind (the papers seem to refute your own flavor of "aether" theory), you obviously cannot be objective. I explained the papers to you, numerous times, the fact that refuse the obvious doesn't make the papers go away. There are plenty others that can make up their minds on their own, this is why I put up the papers. Your biased opinion doesn't change the truth.
Everyone who has read and understood our discussion and does not object has implicitly agreed to the dismissal of your claims by unanimous consent.

I offered to give you the Gagnon equations but seeing the arrogance with which you dismiss the work of others (in the context of your being unable to write even one equation right) as well as your disrespect for peer refereed papers I decided not to, just to make you work a little such that you learn respect.
Your claims are dismissed by everyone here who has read and understood this discussion and hasn't objected, not only me. You do not have the right to make claims or cite references and then refuse to answer direct questions about them or refuse to write-out equations that you yourself are proposing.

The only thing that I think some people here would probably agree with you about is the gas-mode interferometry issue, so that is not dismissed.
 
Last edited:
  • #118
Aether said:
Unanimous consent automatically includes everyone who has read and understood these posts and does not object.

Everyone who has read and understood our discussion and does not object has implicitly agreed to the dismissal of your claims by unanimous consent.

Your claims are dismissed by everyone here who has read and understood this discussion and hasn't objected, not only me. You do not have the right to make claims or cite references and then refuse to answer direct questions about them or refuse to write-out equations that you yourself are proposing.

The only thing that I think some people here would probably agree with you about is the gas-mode interferometry issue, so that is not dismissed.
Get off your high horse, you don't have the background to dismiss anything and anybody , no matter how much you try (non scientific prose doesn't count, neither the "legalise" tone that you assume from time to time).
I explained to you things over hundreds of posts (equations included).The fact that you continue to deny the obvious is your problem: the number of experiments that refute the light speed anisotropy is going to increase over time so you will face more and more of them.
The fact that you are in denial doesn't change anything.
Tell you what, I'll send the Gagnon corrected equations to ZapperZ and DocAl (under the condition not to give them to you until you have made a few honest attempts to calculate things yourself and you showed us your work - not the one of some "sock puppet"). This should cure you of your arrogance and disrespect. OK?
 
Last edited:
  • #119
clj4 said:
Tell you what, I'll send the Gagnon corrected equations to ZapperZ and DocAl (under the condition not to give them to you until you have made a few honest attempts to calculate things yourself and you showed us your work - not the one of some "sock puppet"). This should cure you of your arrogance and disrespect. OK?
If you can get either one of them to agree with you that I need curing of my arrogance and disrespect, then ok. Otherwise, you will show your equations so that I can test them with the program that I wrote, ok?
 
  • #120
Aether said:
If you can get either one of them to agree with you that I need curing of my arrogance and disrespect, then ok. Otherwise, you will show your equations so that I can test them with the program that I wrote, ok?

Looks like your "simulation" program is all messed up. Here are the calculations for the case that you listed above in post #111, they show very clearly the phase dependency on v_z. Are you still having difficulties with elementary calculations? Better check that program of yours.
 

Attachments

  • GagnonWeb1.doc
    31 KB · Views: 205
  • #121
clj4 said:
Looks like your "simulation" program is all messed up. Here are the calculations for the case that you listed above in post #111, they show very clearly the phase dependency on v_z. Are you still having difficulties with elementary calculations? Better check that program of yours.
Your first four equations are the same as the ones that I gave in post #111 except for a difference in the signs on k and k'. The convention when dealing with waveguides is to lay them along the negative z-direction. The fifth equation seems to be missing a term, but that term is invariant over changes in v_z so it doesn't change the predicted outcome of the experiment.

The next term [tex]sin((k-k')z/2)[/tex] modulates the amplitude of E_0, and the amplitude of the composite waveform is [tex]2 E_0 sin((k-k')z/2)[/tex]. Since the composite waveform is demodulated at this point, the term [tex]sin((k+k')z/2-\omega t)[/tex] has no further effect.

If we were to design a new experiment where the composite waveform is not demodulated, we would also need to transform the z and t coordinates.
 
Last edited:
  • #122
Aether said:
Your first four equations are the same as the ones that I gave in post #111 except for a difference in the signs on k and k'. The convention when dealing with waveguides is to lay them along the negative z-direction. The fifth equation seems to be missing a term, but that term is invariant over changes in v_z so it doesn't change the predicted outcome of the experiment.

The next term [tex]sin((k-k')z/2)[/tex] modulates the amplitude of E_0, and the amplitude of the composite waveform is [tex]2 E_0 sin((k-k')z/2)[/tex]. Since the composite waveform is demodulated at this point, the term [tex]sin((k+k')z/2-\omega t)[/tex] has no further effect.

If we were to design a new experiment where the composite waveform is not demodulated, we would also need to transform the z and t coordinates.
Do you have difficulty in terms of understanding the term "phase"? How far do you plan to take this embarassment? You have been told for months what the "phase" means in the Gagnon experiment : (k+k')z/2.
It is what appears in the same expression with [tex]\omega t[/tex], ok? The standard texbook thing.
 
Last edited:
  • #123
clj4 said:
Do you have difficulty in terms of understanding the term "phase"? How far do you plan to take this embarassment? You have been told for months what the "phase" means in the Gagnon experiment : (k+k')z/2.
It is what appears in the same expression with [tex]\omega t[/tex], ok? The standard texbook thing.
This is a phase-shift on the ~40GHz composite carrier-wave signal prior to demodulation. That high-frequency signal is filtered out by the double balanced mixer/demodulator, and it is irrelevant to the outcome of this experiment. We could detect the phase of the carrier wave using a synchronous demodulator, but then we would have to transform the z and t coordinates.
 
Last edited:
  • #124
Aether said:
We could detect the phase of the carrier wave using a synchronous demodulator, but then we would have to transform the z and t coordinates.


The (z,t) have been transformed already, this is how the partial differential equation was obtained in first place. Give it up, it is getting embarassing.
 
  • #125
In the http://imaginary_nematode.home.comcast.net/papers/Gagnon_et_al_1988.pdf" experiment, two waveguides are driven on one end by the same 40.16GHz sine-wave source, the two waveguides run parallel to one another along the negative z-axis, and the waves reflect back and forth within the waveguides at different pitch angles with the result that the waves emerging at the opposite ends of the two waveguides have traveled along paths having substantially different geometric length. We describe the total phase-angle traversed by a wave traveling through a first waveguide as k * z where k is the wave-number of the first waveguide, and z is the length of the first waveguide. The term "wave number" refers to the number of complete wave cycles of an electromagnetic field that exist in one meter of linear space, but because the waves in the waveguides reflect back and forth within the waveguide, there can be many more wavelengths stored within the waveguide than if the wave traveled along a straight line through the waveguide. Similarly, we describe the total phase-angle traversed by a wave traveling through a second waveguide as k' * z where k' is the wave-number of the second waveguide, and z is also the length of the second waveguide layed along the negative z-axis.

When the two waves emerge at the far end of the waveguides, a detector circuit is used to measure the differential phase of the two waves. To do this, the common-mode phase of the two signals is "rejected". On page 1769 of the Gagnon paper under section III. Experimental Analysis, the authors describe their detector circuit:
Gagnon p. 1769 said:
Signals from the two waveguides are recombined in a balanced mixer which gives a dc output proportional to their phase difference when the waveguide outputs are set near phase quadrature.

clj4, I figured out that the missing term in your fifth equation is just a sign. You could correct that equation by swapping the order of E_z and E'_z. The "dc output proportional to their phase difference..." that Gagnon refers to in the quote above is proportional to [tex]sin((k-k')z/2)[/tex], where "there phase difference" refers to [tex](k-k')z[/tex]. The term that you refer to incorrectly as "the resultant phase measured by Gagnon" is actually the common-mode phase shift that is rejected by the balanced mixer. To demonstrate this, I have modeled a balanced mixer circuit in SPICE using the Micro-Cap 8.1.1.0 Evaluation Version which is freely available for download on the web. Anyone can download this circuit simulator free of charge and reproduce my results independently.

The attached file "BalancedMixerSchematic.jpg" shows a screen-shot of the schematic of the circuit used to simulate the output traces discussed below. The schematic shows three identical balanced mixer circuits driven by dual sine wave sources at a frequency of 40.16KHz (for convenience, I have simulated a 40.160KHz carrier wave rather than 40.160GHz; the principles are the same). The first circuit is driven by sine sources WG1 and WG2 with phase parameters PH=840 and 40 radians respectively. The blue trace on the "BalancedMixerOutput.jpg" plot corresponds to the simulated output of this circuit over a period of one second. The traces in this plot all start out on the left side at higher than normal voltages because the circuit parameters are undefined prior to T=0, and then they settle to nearly flat dc signals as time goes by. These voltages would settle a bit further if the simulation were run for a longer time.

The second (lower left) circuit is driven by sine sources WG3 and WG4 with phase parameters PH=840.7854 and 40.7854 radians respectively. The red trace on the "BalancedMixerOutput.jpg" plot corresponds to the simulated output of this circuit. The phases of the two sine sources have both been offset by [tex]+\pi/4[/tex]. Since this is a common-mode phase shift, we see that the red trace settles to the same value of the blue trace so that there is no difference between the outputs of the two circuits once they have settled. This is what is expected, and if the simulation were run for a longer period the two traces would continue to converge on the same value. Conclusion: common-mode phase shifts do not affect the output of a balanced mixer circuit, by design.

The third (center right) circuit is driven by sine sources WG5 and WG6 with phase parameters PH=840.7854 and 39.2146 radians respectively. The green trace on the "BalancedMixerOutput.jpg" plot corresponds to the simulated output of this circuit. The phases of the first sine source has been offset by [tex]+\pi/4[/tex] (relative to PH=840), and the phase of the second sine source has been offset by [tex]-\pi/4[/tex] (relative to PH=40). Since this is a differential-mode phase shift, we see that the green trace settles to a substantially different value from the red and the blue traces. This is what is expected. Conclusion: differential-mode phase shifts do affect the output voltage of a balanced mixer circuit, by design.

GGT predicts common-mode phase shifts for the two waveguides, and this is simply not observable by means of the experiment described by Gagnon et al..
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #126
Aether said:
In the http://imaginary_nematode.home.comcast.net/papers/Gagnon_et_al_1988.pdf" experiment, two waveguides are driven on one end by the same 40.16GHz sine-wave source, the two waveguides run parallel to one another along the negative z-axis, and the waves reflect back and forth within the waveguides at different pitch angles with the result that the waves emerging at the opposite ends of the two waveguides have traveled along paths having substantially different geometric length. We describe the total phase-angle traversed by a wave traveling through a first waveguide as k * z where k is the wave-number of the first waveguide, and z is the length of the first waveguide. The term "wave number" refers to the number of complete wave cycles of an electromagnetic field that exist in one meter of linear space, but because the waves in the waveguides reflect back and forth within the waveguide, there can be many more wavelengths stored within the waveguide than if the wave traveled along a straight line through the waveguide. Similarly, we describe the total phase-angle traversed by a wave traveling through a second waveguide as k' * z where k' is the wave-number of the second waveguide, and z is also the length of the second waveguide layed along the negative z-axis.

When the two waves emerge at the far end of the waveguides, a detector circuit is used to measure the differential phase of the two waves. To do this, the common-mode phase of the two signals is "rejected". On page 1769 of the Gagnon paper under section III. Experimental Analysis, the authors describe their detector circuit:

clj4, I figured out that the missing term in your fifth equation is just a sign. You could correct that equation by swapping the order of E_z and E'_z. The "dc output proportional to their phase difference..." that Gagnon refers to in the quote above is proportional to [tex]sin((k-k')z/2)[/tex], where "there phase difference" refers to [tex](k-k')z[/tex]. The term that you refer to incorrectly as "the resultant phase measured by Gagnon" is actually the common-mode phase shift that is rejected by the balanced mixer. To demonstrate this, I have modeled a balanced mixer circuit in SPICE using the Micro-Cap 8.1.1.0 Evaluation Version which is freely available for download on the web. Anyone can download this circuit simulator free of charge and reproduce my results independently.

The attached file "BalancedMixerSchematic.jpg" shows a screen-shot of the schematic of the circuit used to simulate the output traces discussed below. The schematic shows three identical balanced mixer circuits driven by dual sine wave sources at a frequency of 40.16KHz (for convenience, I have simulated a 40.160KHz carrier wave rather than 40.160GHz; the principles are the same). The first circuit is driven by sine sources WG1 and WG2 with phase parameters PH=840 and 40 radians respectively. The blue trace on the "BalancedMixerOutput.jpg" plot corresponds to the simulated output of this circuit over a period of one second. The traces in this plot all start out on the left side at higher than normal voltages because the circuit parameters are undefined prior to T=0, and then they settle to nearly flat dc signals as time goes by. These voltages would settle a bit further if the simulation were run for a longer time.

The second (lower left) circuit is driven by sine sources WG3 and WG4 with phase parameters PH=840.7854 and 40.7854 radians respectively. The red trace on the "BalancedMixerOutput.jpg" plot corresponds to the simulated output of this circuit. The phases of the two sine sources have both been offset by [tex]+\pi/4[/tex]. Since this is a common-mode phase shift, we see that the red trace settles to the same value of the blue trace so that there is no difference between the outputs of the two circuits once they have settled. This is what is expected, and if the simulation were run for a longer period the two traces would continue to converge on the same value. Conclusion: common-mode phase shifts do not affect the output of a balanced mixer circuit, by design.

The third (center right) circuit is driven by sine sources WG5 and WG6 with phase parameters PH=840.7854 and 39.2146 radians respectively. The green trace on the "BalancedMixerOutput.jpg" plot corresponds to the simulated output of this circuit. The phases of the first sine source has been offset by [tex]+\pi/4[/tex] (relative to PH=840), and the phase of the second sine source has been offset by [tex]-\pi/4[/tex] (relative to PH=40). Since this is a differential-mode phase shift, we see that the green trace settles to a substantially different value from the red and the blue traces. This is what is expected. Conclusion: differential-mode phase shifts do affect the output voltage of a balanced mixer circuit, by design.

GGT predicts common-mode phase shifts for the two waveguides, and this is simply not observable by means of the experiment described by Gagnon et al..
Thank you for the disertation, this is a great example of GIGO. You know perfectly well that the term (k-k') is independent of v_z because v_z reduces trivially in the subtraction. So, there was no need of the above disertation.You are so stuck in the original description of the Gagnon experiment that you cannot even begin to understand that two waveforms can be SUBTRACTED as well as being added, generating the term [tex]sin((k+k')z/2-\omega*t)[/tex] INSTEAD of the term [tex]sin((k-k')z/2)[/tex]. In the term [tex]sin((k+k')z/2-\omega*t)[/tex] the phase (k+k')z/2 IS a linear function of v_z and is fully DETECTABLE (hint: you do not need to use the exact Gagnon setup for this, you can use a simple phase detector). If you continue to apply the original detection setup to the modified experiment don't be surprised that you are getting nonsensical results. (GIGO rules)
Since you wasted so much simulating the wrong thing try simulating the right thing:

Feed the [tex]sin((k+k')z/2-\omega*t)[/tex] to a phase detector and try to separate the phase (k+k')z/2. Do you think you can handle this?Finally, the correct statement is that :

GGT predicts light speed anisotropy and also predicted a phase shift between the two waveguides but the Gagnon experiment detected a much smaller than predicted phase shift thus disproving the notion of light speed anisotropy. Period.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #127
clj4 said:
You are so stuck in the original description of the Gagnon experiment that you cannot even begin to understand that two waveforms can be SUBTRACTED as well as being added, generating the term [tex]sin((k+k')z/2-\omega*t)[/tex] INSTEAD of the term [tex]sin((k-k')z/2)[/tex].
The balanced mixer does subtract the waveforms, so I'm not sure what you are talking about.

In the term [tex]sin((k+k')z/2-\omega*t)[/tex] the phase (k+k')z/2 IS a linear function of v_z and is fully DETECTABLE (hint: you do not need to use the exact Gagnon setup for this, you can use a simple phase detector).
To do this I would start by multiplying the two waveguide outputs together, and then I would rectify (maybe) and low-pass filter the product waveform. Common-mode phase would still drop out though. Do you have something else in mind? I'll simulate the circuit if you will describe it in sufficient detail.

If you continue to apply the original detection setup to the modified experiment don't be surprised that you are getting nonsensical results. (GIGO rules)
You agree that the original detection setup yields null results with GGT, but want to explore alternate setups? That's fine, I'll simulate the alternate setups if we can define what they are.

Since you wasted so much simulating the wrong thing try simulating the right thing:

Feed the [tex]sin((k+k')z/2-\omega*t)[/tex] to a phase detector and try to separate the phase (k+k')z/2. Do you think you can handle this?
See above. I would start by multiplying the two waveforms together, and then rectify (maybe) and low-pass filter the result.

Finally, the correct statement is that :

GGT predicts light speed anisotropy and also predicted a phase shift between the two waveguides but the Gagnon experiment detected a much smaller than predicted phase shift thus disproving the notion of light speed anisotropy. Period.
GGT doesn't predict a phase-shift between the two waveguides (e.g., a differential phase shift) that is dependent on v_z; it predicts a common-mode phase shift that is dependent on v_z and that is not measurable.

Anyway, this is what the simulations will decide.
 
Last edited:
  • #128
Aether said:
The balanced mixer does subtract the waveforms, so I'm not sure what you are talking about.

To do this I would start by multiplying the two waveguide outputs together, and then I would rectify and low-pass filter the product waveform. Common-mode phase would still drop out though. Do you have something else in mind? I'll simulate the circuit if you will describe it in sufficient detail.

You agree that the original detection setup yields null results with GGT, but want to explore alternate setups? That's fine, I'll simulate the alternate setups if we can define what they are.

See above. I would start by multiplying the two waveforms together, and then rectify and low-pass filter the result.

GGT doesn't predict a phase-shift between the two waveguides (e.g., a differential phase shift) that is dependent on v_z; it predicts a common-mode phase shift that is dependent on v_z and that is not measurable.

Anyway, this is what the simulations will decide.


This is getting embarassing. Do you understand that the signal that needs to be analyzed [tex]sin((k+k')z/2-\omega*t)[/tex] and NOT [tex]sin((k-k')z/2)[/tex]. When you subtract k' from k the term in v_z cancels out.
 
  • #129
clj4 said:
This is getting embarassing. Do you understand that the signal that needs to be analyzed [tex]sin((k+k')z/2-\omega*t)[/tex] and NOT [tex]sin((k-k')z/2)[/tex].
I only know of two ways to get at the common-mode phase, I already described one. The other is to multiply the sum of the two waveguide outputs by a third waveform from the same signal generator. That won't yield a differential signal that is dependent on v_z either. What is your suggestion?

When you subtract k' from k the term in v_z cancels out.
Not if you use Gagnon's original Eq. (7) it won't. That is why I balked at their paper from the very beginning. Only now that Eq. (7) has been corrected, then "When you subtract k' from k the term in v_z cancels out". I would be thrilled to find a way to distinguish between GGT and SR+Einstein Sync. by experiment, but know that's not possible.
 
  • #130
Aether said:
I only know of two ways to get at the common-mode phase, I already described one. The other is to multiply the sum of the two waveguide outputs by a third waveform from the same signal generator.
You need to get off the "common mode" first.
Secondly, you need to use a phase detector in order to measure the variation of the phase (k+k')L/2 with time as I showed you in the original attachment. I am attaching it again.
You can use any oscilloscope from the list below:
http://www.home.agilent.com/USeng/nav/-536902447.0/pc.html
One simple way is to turn on "jitter analysis mode" and let the oscilloscope accumulate the waveform resultant from the subtraction of the two waves. The "smearing" due to the change in phase over time will be maximum if you let the system run 6 hours since v_z varies from 0 to V_max depending on the Earth orientation. The oscilloscope will calculate with an incredible precision the variation of the phase during this time interval. You don't need to design any type of equipment, you just need to pick the appropriate oscilloscope from the list.
That won't yield a differential signal that is dependent on v_z either. What is your suggestion?

I suggest that you read the attachment. You are dealing with a simple sine wave, all you need to do is to measure the variation in phase.
Not if you use Gagnon's original Eq. (7) it won't. That is why I balked at their paper from the very beginning.

No, this is not why you balked . You balked for a zillion of reasons, over hundreds of posts. Now you have nothing to balk about since the solution to the partial differential equation has been corrected.

Only now that Eq. (7) has been corrected, then "When you subtract k' from k the term in v_z cancels out".

This is not true but it is not germaine to the discussion. In BOTH the corrected and uncorrected form of the Gagnon paper you eventually get the same thing in terms of dependency on v_z, the solutions look the same in both cases :

k=(omega*v_z)c^2+sqrt...
k'=(omega*v_z)c^2+sqrt...

If you subtract the wave vectors you get no dependency of v_z, if you add them you get the dependency. Therefore you need to subtract the waveforms. Obviously this is a red herring in the style of your previous persistent diversions.

I would be thrilled to find a way to distinguish between GGT and SR+Einstein Sync. by experiment, but know that's not possible.

Try to be honest for a while? Drop your bias that leads to your making embarassing never ending defenses? Since you "know that's not possible" professing that "you would be thrilled..." doesn't ring true at all. Besides , you have quite a few experiments that prove that light speed is not anisotropic that you have to contend with. Gagnon is just one of 10. And I think the physics community, much to your despair will continue producing such experiments and your declaring them invalid will not lead anywhere.
 

Attachments

  • GagnonWeb2.doc
    34 KB · Views: 221
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #131
clj4 said:
You need to get off the "common mode" first.
Secondly, you need to use a phase detector in order to measure the variation of the phase (k+k')L/2 with time as I showed you in the original attachment. I am attaching it again.
You can use any oscilloscope from the list below:
http://www.home.agilent.com/USeng/nav/-536902447.0/pc.html
One simple way is to turn on "jitter analysis mode" and let the oscilloscope accumulate the waveform resultant from the subtraction of the two waves. The "smearing" due to the change in phase over time will be maximum if you let the system run 6 hours since v_z varies from 0 to V_max depending on the Earth orientation. The oscilloscope will calculate with an incredible precision the variation of the phase during this time interval. You don't need to design any type of equipment, you just need to pick the appropriate oscilloscope from the list.
The attached diagram is from p. 3 of the datasheet for http://cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/5988-5235EN.pdf" oscilloscope. To do a jitter analysis of a waveform, you need to generate a reference clock signal. This is why there are two waveguides in the Gagnon experiment; one waveguide represents the "data" signal and the other represents the reference "clock" signal. If you want to use the internal clock from the oscilloscope, then we will have to transform the coordinates of that clock signal along with those of the waveguides.

I suggest that you read the attachment. You are dealing with a simple sine wave, all you need to do is to measure the variation in phase.
To do that we need to have a reference clock signal, and the coordinates of that signal vary with v_z in exactly the same proportion as the data signal. This is "common-mode" phase shift.

No, this is not why you balked . You balked for a zillion of reasons, over hundreds of posts. Now you have nothing to balk about since the solution to the partial differential equation has been corrected.
What I'm balking at now is your claim that GGT predicts a phase-shift dependent on v_z that could be detected in an experiment if it existed.

This is not true but it is not germaine to the discussion. In BOTH the corrected and uncorrected form of the Gagnon paper you eventually get the same thing in terms of dependency on v_z, the solutions look the same in both cases :

k=(omega*v_z)c^2+sqrt...
k'=(omega*v_z)c^2+sqrt...
The falsified equations have a dependency on v_x that doesn't exist in the corrected equations.

If you subtract the wave vectors you get no dependency of v_z, if you add them you get the dependency. Therefore you need to subtract the waveforms. Obviously this is a red herring in the style of your previous persistent diversions.

Try to be honest for a while? Drop your bias that leads to your making embarassing never ending defenses? Since you "know that's not possible" professing that "you would be thrilled..." doesn't ring true at all. Besides , you have quite a few experiments that prove that light speed is not anisotropic that you have to contend with. Gagnon is just one of 10. And I think the physics community, much to your despair will continue producing such experiments and your declaring them invalid will not lead anywhere.
Please try to focus on the issue at hand. I have already shown how to simulate the theoretical waveguide outputs from the Gagnon experiment in SPICE, and we can use these to test any detector design we can think of. Now we need to show that the phase-shift that you are referring to can actually be detected using some real-world circuit.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #132
Aether said:
The attached diagram is from p. 3 of the datasheet for http://cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/5988-5235EN.pdf" oscilloscope. To do a jitter analysis of a waveform, you need to generate a reference clock signal. This is why there are two waveguides in the Gagnon experiment; one waveguide represents the "data" signal and the other represents the reference "clock" signal. If you want to use the internal clock from the oscilloscope, then we will have to transform the coordinates of that clock signal along with those of the waveguides.

To do that we need to have a reference clock signal, and the coordinates of that signal vary with v_z in exactly the same proportion as the data signal. This is "common-mode" phase shift.

This is just not true. Long term jitter is determined by recording over time ONE signal, which is the signal sin((k+k')L-omega*t). You do not need a second reference signal for long term jitter measurements, you simply compare the ONE signal against ITSELF over time (6 hrs as I told you).
Even if you insisted in feeding a reference signal , you could do this with sin(omega*t). Don't give me the story that "(z,t) need to be transformed in Earth frame" , they have already been transformed at the beginning of the Gagnon paper. All variables are calculated in Earth frame.
What I'm balking at now is your claim that GGT predicts a phase-shift dependent on v_z that could be detected in an experiment if it existed.

Yes, you have been trying different "balks" for hundreds of posts. Your latest ploy is the fact that you "don't know" how to measure the time varying phase of a sine signal.

The falsified equations have a dependency on v_x that doesn't exist in the corrected equations.

This is why I corrected the equations :-)

Please try to focus on the issue at hand. I have already shown how to simulate the theoretical waveguide outputs from the Gagnon experiment in SPICE, and we can use these to test any detector design we can think of. Now we need to show that the phase-shift that you are referring to can actually be detected using some real-world circuit.

Ok, GGT predicts a phase shift proportional to v_z.
Your last line of this emabarassing defense is that "it can't be measured" or "I don't know how to measure it". I gave you a suggestion, if you don't understand it (looks more like you are wishing it away) , it is your problem.

One more thing : please give up on the " z and t need to be transformed in the Earth frame, otherwise we cannot execute the measurement". They have already been transformed in the Earth frame from the beginning of the paper. All variables are computed in the Earth frame.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #133
clj4 said:
This is just not true. Long term jitter is determined by recording over time ONE signal, which is the signal sin((k+k')L-omega*t). You do not need a second reference signal for long term jitter measurements, you simply compare the ONE signal against ITSELF over time (6 hrs as I told you).
Even if you insisted in feeding a reference signal , you could do this with sin(omega*t). Don't give me the story that "(z,t) need to be transformed in Earth frame" , they have already been transformed at the beginning of the Gagnon paper. All variables are calculated in Earth frame.
To sample the "one signal" that you are talking about, you must provide a separate "clock" signal to trigger the sampling events. Each sample in the recorded data stream will have an implicit time coordinate that is determined by this clock signal. We can't use sin(omega*t) for this, but we could use sin(k*z-omega*t).

Yes, you have been trying different "balks" for hundreds of posts. Your latest ploy is the fact that you "don't know" how to measure the time varying phase of a sine signal.
Most if not all of my different balks will be shown to be valid ones once you finally understand that it is not possible to measure what you're assuming that you can measure.

This is why I corrected the equations :-)
You and gregory did do a good job with that.

Ok, GGT predicts a phase shift proportional to v_z.
Your last line of this emabarassing defense is that "it can't be measured" or "I don't know how to measure it". I gave you a suggestion, if you don't understand it (looks more like you are wishing it away) , it is your problem.
Your suggestion to use an oscilloscope wasn't helpful. Your suggestion for a reference clock signal modeled as sin(omega*t) is along the lines of what is needed if we adjust it to read sin(k*z-omega*t).

One more thing : please give up on the " z and t need to be transformed in the Earth frame, otherwise we cannot execute the measurement". They have already been transformed in the Earth frame from the beginning of the paper. All variables are computed in the Earth frame.
Ok. As long as z and t are treated the same with both the data and clock signals, then it is enough for now if we transform the k's properly.
 
Back
Top