Testing Lorentz Symmetry using High Energy Astrophysics Observations

TL;DR

This paper reviews how high energy astrophysical observations of cosmic rays, gamma-rays, and neutrinos provide highly sensitive tests for potential violations of Lorentz symmetry, leveraging the extreme energies involved.

Contribution

It highlights the use of ultrahigh energy cosmic phenomena as a novel and sensitive approach to testing Lorentz symmetry violations.

Findings

Astrophysical observations set stringent limits on Lorentz symmetry violation.

High energy cosmic phenomena are effective probes for fundamental physics.

The methods improve upon previous laboratory-based tests.

Abstract

We discuss some of the tests of Lorentz symmetry made possible by astrophysical observations of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays, gamma-rays, and neutrinos. These are among the most sensitive tests of Lorentz symmetry violation because they are the highest energy phenomena known to man.