The light speed barrier: Bending the rules

TL;DR

This paper explores how relay chains can bypass the apparent speed limit of light in special relativity, revealing hidden mechanisms for enhanced communication, propulsion, and black hole radiation phenomena.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of probe chains to uncover velocity-dependent curvature effects and proposes a curved-space alternative to special relativity.

Findings

Probe chains enable faster-than-light communication effects.

Velocity-dependent curvature within inertial systems is demonstrated.

A potential mechanism for black hole radiation akin to Hawking radiation is suggested.

Abstract

Special relativity includes a concealed mechanism for reducing time-dilation effects in two mutually-receding objects. Forwarding their signals via one or more intermediate physical relay stages (a "probe chain") allows enhanced communication and propulsion efficiency. These possibilities are masked by the mathematical redefinitions of the special theory, which then assigns the velocity of the signal source a correspondingly lower value by using a velocity-addition formula. Probe chains reveal the existence of velocity-dependent curvature within inertial systems, and suggest a mechanism for indirect radiation from black holes that is strongly reminiscent of Hawking radiation. The "emitter-theory" force law is mentioned as a possible basis for a curved-space alternative to special relativity.