Space-time quantum solves three experimental paradoxes

TL;DR

This paper proposes a Planck-scale deformation of relativistic physics that unifies explanations for three experimental paradoxes involving cosmic rays and high-energy photons, with upcoming experiments poised to test this theory.

Contribution

It introduces a quantum-gravity motivated modification to the dispersion relation that explains multiple high-energy astrophysical anomalies.

Findings

Explains cosmic ray observations above GZK limit

Accounts for multi-TeV photon detections from Markarian 501

Describes air shower development in ultra-high-energy particles

Abstract

I show that a Planck-scale deformation of the relativistic dispersion relation, which has been independently considered in the quantum-gravity literature, can explain the surprising results of three classes of experiments: (1) observations of cosmic rays above the expected GZK limit, (2) observations of multi-TeV photons from the BL Lac object Markarian 501, (3) studies of the longitudinal development of the air showers produced by ultra-high-energy hadronic particles. Experiments now in preparation, such as the ones planned for the GLAST space telescope, will provide an independent test of this solution of the three experimental paradoxes.