Probes of Lorentz Violation

TL;DR

This paper discusses using astrophysical observations, especially from the Cherenkov Telescope Array, to test Lorentz invariance, a fundamental physics principle, by analyzing energetic photons from distant sources.

Contribution

It highlights the potential of CTA for high-sensitivity tests of Lorentz invariance using energetic photons from astrophysical sources.

Findings

CTA can surpass other detectors in testing Lorentz invariance.

Energetic photons from AGNs and GRBs are effective probes.

Experimental sensitivity to Lorentz violation can be significantly improved.

Abstract

Lorentz invariance is such an important principle of fundamental physics that it should constantly be subjected to experimental scrutiny as well as theoretical questioning. Distant astrophysical sources of energetic photons with rapid time variations, such as active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and gamma-ray bursters (GRBs), provide ideal experimental opportunities for testing Lorentz invariance. The Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) is an excellent experimental tool for making such tests with sensitivities exceeding those possible using other detectors.