Quantum gravitational optics: the induced phase

TL;DR

This paper investigates how quantum electrodynamics effects modify the phase structure of light in curved spacetime, revealing a complex induced phase that alters classical light ray behavior.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed analysis of the induced phase in quantum gravitational optics, connecting QED interactions with geometrical optics in curved spacetime.

Findings

Identification of a local induced phase affecting light propagation

Comparison between conventional and modified geometrical optics principles

Insights into the quantum modifications of classical light ray paths

Abstract

The geometrical approximation of the extended Maxwell equation in curved spacetime incorporating interactions induced by the vacuum polarization effects is considered. Taking into account these QED interactions and employing the analogy between eikonal equation in geometrical optics and Hamilton-Jacobi equation for the particle motion, we study the phase structure of the modified theory. There is a complicated, local induced phase which is believed to be responsible for the modification of the classical picture of light ray. The main features of QGO could be obtained through the study of this induced phase. We discuss initial principles in conventional and modified geometrical optics and compare the results.