Light clocks in strong gravitational fields

TL;DR

This paper refines the concept of light clocks in strong gravitational fields by incorporating quantum corrections to Maxwell theory, affecting time measurement and observer frames in general relativity.

Contribution

It introduces a geometric expression for light clock time that accounts for quantum effects in curved spacetime, extending classical relativity concepts.

Findings

Quantum corrections modify light propagation in gravitational fields.

A new geometric formula for light clock time is derived.

Implications for physics in strong gravitational environments are discussed.

Abstract

We argue that the time measured by a light clock operating with photons rather than classical light requires a refinement of the standard clock postulate in general relativity. In the presence of a gravitational field, already the one-loop quantum corrections to classical Maxwell theory affect light propagation and the construction of observers' frames of reference. Carefully taking into account these kinematic effects, a concise geometric expression for the time shown by a light clock is obtained. This result has far-reaching implications for physics in strong gravitational fields.