paper

Tracing light propagation to the intrinsic accuracy of space-time geometry

arXiv:1012.5226 · doi:10.1088/0264-9381/28/23/235013

Abstract

Advancement in astronomical observations and technical instrumentation requires coding light propagation at high level of precision; this could open a new detection window of many subtle relativistic effects suffered by light while it is propagating and entangled in the physical measurements. Light propagation and its subsequent detection should indeed be conceived in a fully relativistic context, in order to interpret the results of the observations in accordance with the geometrical environment affecting light propagation itself, as an unicum surrounding universe. One of the most intriguing aspects is the boost towards the development of highly accurate models able to recon- struct the light path consistently with General Relativity and the precepts of measurements. This paper deals with the complexity of such a topic by showing how the geometrical framework of models like RAMOD, initially developed for astrometric observations, constitutes an appropriate physical environment for back tracing a light ray conforming to the intrinsic accuracy of space-time. This article discusses the reasons why RAMOD stands out among the existent approaches applied to the light propagation problem and provides a proof of its capability in recasting recent literature cases.

15 pages, 5 figures. Revised version, references and appendixes added. PRD re-submitted

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