Absolute motion determined from Michelson-type experiments in optical media

TL;DR

This paper explores how the symmetry of physical space inside optical media differs from vacuum, proposing that experiments can detect absolute motion relative to a luminiferous aether by examining Lorentz symmetry violations in media with refractive index n.

Contribution

It introduces a framework for detecting absolute motion through Lorentz symmetry violations in optical media with refractive index n, extending the understanding of Lorentz invariance in different media.

Findings

Optical media with refractive index n exhibit Lorentz symmetry violations.

Experimental detection of absolute motion is possible in gases due to symmetry violation.

Theoretical basis for detecting luminiferous aether through optical experiments.

Abstract

The symmetry of vacuum is characterized by the Lorentz group with the parameter $c$. Physical space inside the homogeneous optical medium should be described by the Lorentz group with the parameter $c/n$, where $n$ is the refractive index of the medium. Violation of a one-parameter phenomenological symmetry in the discrete medium, such as gas, creates the opportunity for the experimental detecting the motion of the optical medium relative to luminiferous aether.