Soumendra Nath Thakur
ORCiD: 0000-0003-1871-7803
26-10-2024
This study supplements the research titled ‘Photon Interactions with External Gravitational Fields: True Cause of Gravitational Lensing’ by this author.
A photon, representing light, carries inherent energy denoted as E. As the photon ascends from the gravitational well of its emission source, it loses part of this energy, resulting in a redshift (increase in wavelength, Δλ>0). However, the photon’s behaviour changes significantly when it encounters a strong external gravitational field.
As the photon approaches a strong external gravitational body, it undergoes a blueshift (decrease in wavelength, Δλ<0) due to its interaction with the external gravitational field. This shift occurs as a result of electromagnetic-gravitational interaction, causing the photon to follow an arc-shaped trajectory. During this process, the photon’s momentum increases, described by the relation Δρ = h/Δλ, where h is Planck’s constant. This momentum gain reflects the gravitational influence on the photon's trajectory.
Completing half of the arc path (1/2 arc) around the gravitational body, the blueshift transitions into a redshift (Δλ>0) as the photon begins to lose momentum (Δρ = h/Δλ). This process indicates a symmetrical momentum exchange, where the photon experiences a balanced gain and loss of external energy (Eg), preserving symmetry in its overall energy behaviour.
Importantly, while the photon undergoes these external changes in wavelength, momentum, and energy during its trajectory around the gravitational body, it retains its inherent energy (E). The only exception occurs when the photon loses energy (ΔE) while escaping the gravitational well of its source. Thus, despite these external interactions, the photon’s inherent energy remains conserved, except for the loss associated with its initial emission.
After bypassing the gravitational field, the photon resumes its original trajectory, maintaining its inherent energy (E) and continuing unaffected by further gravitational influences.
The observed symmetry, where photons gain energy as they approach an external gravitational well and lose energy as they recede, could provide critical insights into refining our understanding of spacetime and gravity. This phenomenon challenges the predictions of general relativity, suggesting that the theory may be incomplete or require revision. The symmetrical behaviour of photon energy and momentum around strong gravitational fields aligns with alternative models, such as quantum gravity and flat spacetime theories, which might offer a more comprehensive explanation for these interactions.
This discrepancy between observed photon behaviour and general relativity invites further exploration and refinement of our theoretical frameworks. By engaging with alternative perspectives, we can advance our understanding of the universe’s underlying principles, contributing to a more complete and unified description of reality.
This study assesses photon energy shifts and redshift in determining galactic distances, incorporating both gravitational and cosmic redshifts to refine our understanding of a galaxy's proper distance from Earth. The energy of emitted photons from a star is denoted by E = 4.0 × 10⁻¹⁹ J, with a corresponding frequency f = 6.0368×10¹⁴ Hz. By analysing the gravitational redshift (increase in wavelength) of these photons, we can calculate the light-travelled distance—the distance from the galaxy at the time the light was emitted.
In addition to gravitational redshift, photons undergo cosmic redshift due to the galaxy’s recession, influenced by dark energy’s antigravitational effect. As a result, the galaxy’s proper distance differs from its light-travelled distance, increasing as the galaxy recedes over the photon's transit. This proper distance, distinguishable from the light-travelled distance, accounts for both redshift contributions. To obtain it, we subtract the gravitational redshift from the total observed redshift at the time of reception.
Phase Shift and Energy Variations in Photon Transit
The frequency shift of the photon or its energy change from emission to reception can be quantified by equations that establish a relationship between the degree phase shift T(deg) and time shift Δt:
ΔE = (2πh/360) × T(deg) × (1/Δt)
where h is Planck's constant, T(deg) represents phase shift in degrees, and Δt is the time shift. This formula provides the energy change ΔE for a given phase shift, illustrating how frequency and phase adjustments yield incremental energy shifts during photonic transit.
Further, the equation:
Δtₓ = x (1/360f₀)
generalizes time distortion Δt relative to phase shift x, where f₀ is the initial frequency and x represents the degree of phase shift. Here, T(deg) = x confirms that phase shift x in degrees is proportional to T(deg), connecting phase shift and energy fluctuations over photon transit.
Conclusion:
This study highlights the intricate dynamics of photon interactions with gravitational fields and their impact on measuring galactic distances. By examining the photon’s behaviour as it ascends from its source and encounters external gravitational fields, we observe a distinct pattern of redshift and blueshift that arises due to gravitational influences. These interactions reveal that while a photon experiences external wavelength and momentum changes, its inherent energy largely remains conserved, aside from the initial energy loss upon emission.
Integrating these findings with the concepts of gravitational and cosmic redshifts allows for a more accurate determination of galactic distances, distinguishing between the light-travelled and proper distances of receding galaxies. Additionally, by applying phase shift and time distortion equations, we gain insights into the subtle energy variations that photons undergo during their transit. This refined approach suggests that a symmetric model of photon behaviour could bridge existing gaps in general relativity and open pathways for alternative frameworks like quantum gravity and flat spacetime theories. Ultimately, these insights prompt further investigation into the nature of spacetime and gravitational influences, potentially advancing our understanding of the universe’s structure and evolution.
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