Sagnac effect and pure geometry

TL;DR

This paper reinterprets the Sagnac effect as arising from the geometry of light paths and relative motion, rather than rotation, challenging traditional explanations.

Contribution

It demonstrates that the Sagnac effect can be explained purely by geometric and inertial considerations, without requiring rotation.

Findings

The Sagnac effect is linked to closed light paths and inertial relative motion.

Rotation is not a necessary condition for the Sagnac effect.

The effect can be understood through geometric properties of light trajectories.

Abstract

We show that the Sagnac effect is not necessarily due to the presence of a rotating observer, but rather to the closed path of light in space and an even inertial relative motion between the observer and the physical device forcing light to move along a closed path.