Lorentz symmetry violation and the results of the AUGER experiment
arXiv:0802.2536
Abstract
We briefly discuss the implications of recent AUGER results for patterns of Lorentz symmetry violation (LSV), assuming that the existence of the Greisen-Zatsepin-Kuzmin cutoff is definitely confirmed. The mass composition of the highest-energy cosmic-ray spectrum is a crucial issue. In any case, the new data allow in principle to exclude a significant range of LSV models but leave open several important possibilities : a weaker Lorentz breaking, a fundamental scale beyond the Planck scale, scenarios with threshold effects... It may even happen that spontaneous decays due to LSV fake the GZK cutoff. Space experiments appear to be needed to further test special relativity. We also comment on the consequences of AUGER data for superbradyons. If such particles are present in the Universe, they may provide new forms of dark matter and dark energy.
Two sections added. 12 pages, LaTex
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