A causal approach to first-order optical equivalency of inertial systems, by means of a beam-pointing test-experiment based on speed-induced deflection of light

Abstract

Within the framework of test-experiments, an original pointing set-up based on speed-induced deflection of a light-beam and using a high-resolution opto-electronic array as a position detector, is proposed. The device would provide a new way to ratify the first order optical equivalency of inertial systems and to sound its causal groundwork. The type of test provided applies to any device using beams, but here it has been adapted for an up-dated check-up of Michelson's experiment and to bear out the interpretation derived from its null result. Rather than searching for a speed-induced phase-shift as Michelson's experiment was conceived for, the present set-up would instead detect any deviation from first-order equivalency through any speed-induced lateral-shift between the two split beams on recombining. In effect, any eventual slight shift would affect the beam path and hence the interferometric performances. Taking into account the conceptual transcendence of the deductions derived from this experiment and that it constitutes, through the invariance of its result, one of the most relevant historical experimental proofs considered to back the theory of special relativity, and in particular its first postulate on the exhaustive equivalency of inertial systems, it cannot be superfluous to carefully update its performances and the derived deductions. So, the presence as well as the absence of speed-induced beam deflection have been considered, and their respective implications analyzed and related to the null result of this archetypal interferometric experiment, which is still much adequate for a conceptual analysis. A causal approach to the first-order optical equivalency of inertial systems is advanced.