Doppler effect and frequency-shift in optics

TL;DR

This paper critically reviews the Doppler effect and frequency-shift phenomena in optics, highlighting gaps in understanding, proposing an alternative photon oscillation mechanism, and suggesting experiments to test this new approach.

Contribution

It introduces an alternative mechanism based on photon number oscillations for polarization changes, challenging traditional interpretations of frequency-shift phenomena in optics.

Findings

Highlights gaps in current understanding of Doppler-related effects

Proposes photon oscillation mechanism as an alternative explanation

Suggests experimental tests for the new mechanism

Abstract

A critical review of frequency-shift phenomena a la Doppler effect is presented. The importance of Fermi's theory of 1932 is pointed out, and it is argued that there exists a gap in our understanding of this phenomena at a fundamental level. Alternative mechanism in terms of photon number oscillations is suggested for polarization changing experiments. The physical reality of single photon is revisited, and a possible experimental scheme to test the alternative mechanism is suggested.