Physics constant Debunked

Modern physics theorises that the speed of light is a constant which has gone on to provide technology and society with multiple advancements. However a new study might prove that this is not the case, possibly changing the landscape of nanotechnology.

A recent study done by scientists on the validity of the speed of light was released online through the Cornell University Library, proving that the constant should be thought of as a limit of speed rather than an invariable rate of light passing through a vacuum. Experiments were led by optical physicist Miles Padgett by doing tests on photon velocity through both a Bessel Beam as well as a Gaussian Beam. The result was a slightly delayed speed through focus or manipulation of light pulses, even in vacuum conditions.

According to Einstein’s theory of relativity and our physics textbooks, the speed of light was specified to be a constant of around 299 792 458 metres per second, however the new findings have brought to light that when a light pulses through a medium that tampers with its structure, the light wave goes through a minor decrease in velocity.

The experiment conducted saw pairs of photons sent to a detector – with one photon gliding through a fibre and the other through a pair of devices designed to manipulate the structure of the light and then revert it back to the original. The result was a slight delay in arrival from the influenced photon, altering Einstein’s theory of relativity.

Researchers say that the findings won’t change the way most technological applications operate and that it is not recognisable in everyday life. However, it will change the way in which physicists study extremely short light pulses. Especially considering the advancements in photonic circuitry, where light-based circuits replace those of electrical ones. These findings will see progress in the use of nanotechnology.