A review of one-way and two-way experiments to test the isotropy of the speed of light
Abstract
As we approach the 125th anniversary of the Michelson-Morley experiment in 2012, we review experiments that test the isotropy of the speed of light. Previous measurements are categorized into one-way (single-trip) and two-way (round-trip averaged or over closed paths) approaches and the level of experimental verification that these experiments provide is discussed. The isotropy of the speed of light is one of the postulates of the Special Theory of Relativity (STR) and, consequently, this phenomenon has been subject to considerable experimental scrutiny. Here, we tabulate significant experiments performed since 1881 and attempt to indicate a direction for future investigation.
- Publication:
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Indian Journal of Physics
- Pub Date:
- September 2012
- DOI:
- 10.1007/s12648-012-0112-4
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1011.1318
- Bibcode:
- 2012InJPh..86..835A
- Keywords:
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- Physics - History and Philosophy of Physics;
- Physics - Classical Physics
- E-Print:
- Updated Fig. 7 and references