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Department of Mathematics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
Larmor, radiation, horizon, Rindler, boost, accelerated,
measurement, clock
Abstract:
When applied to a dipole source subjected to acceleration which is
violent and long lasting (``extreme acceleration''), Maxwell's
equations predict radiative power which augments Larmor's classical
radiation formula by a nontrivial amount. The physical assumptions
behind this result are made possible by the kinematics of a system of
geometrical clocks whose tickings are controlled by cavities which are
expanding inertially. For the purpose of measuring the radiation from
such a source we take advantage of the physical validity of a
spacetime coordinate framework (``inertially expanding frame'') based
on such clocks. They are compatible and commensurable with the
accelerated clocks of the accelerated source. By contrast, a common
Lorentz frame with its mutually static clocks won't do: it lacks that
commensurability. Inertially expanding clocks give a physicist a
window into the frame of a source with extreme acceleration. He thus
can locate that source and measure radiation from it without being
subjected to such acceleration himself. The conclusion is that
inertially expanding reference frames reveal qualitatively distinct
aspects of nature which would not be accessible if static inertial
frames were the only admissible frames.
RADIATION FROM BODIES WITH EXTREME ACCELERATION II:
KINEMATICS
ULRICH H. GERLACH
25 February 2003
gerlach@math.ohio-state.edu
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Ulrich Gerlach
2003-02-25