One-Way Speed of Light Experimental Techniques: A First Principles Approach

For over a century, measuring the one-way speed of light has eluded physicists. This century-old conundrum is addressed through the description of three experiments involving a laser and a single atomic clock. Careful attention was given to the experimental design to avoid adopting any implicit conventions arising from relativistic effects, which would unintentionally lead to the measurement of the two-way speed of light instead of the one-way speed. A key precaution was ensuring that the components of the experiments did not form a closed loop. These experiments offer the potential to determine whether the speed of light is isotropic or anisotropic, with significant implications for the synchronisation of distant clocks.

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Published
2025-09-05
DOI
https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/e56qb_v3
Primary Topic
Advanced Frequency and Time Standards
Type
article
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article

One-Way Speed of Light Experimental Techniques: A First Principles Approach

Mkhosana Lonwabo Sigabi
Advanced Frequency and Time Standards
article

One-Way Speed of Light Experimental Techniques: A First Principles Approach

Mkhosana Lonwabo Sigabi
article en

Abstract

For over a century, measuring the one-way speed of light has eluded physicists. This century-old conundrum is addressed through the description of three experiments involving a laser and a single atomic clock. Careful attention was given to the experimental design to avoid adopting any implicit conventions arising from relativistic effects, which would unintentionally lead to the measurement of the two-way speed of light instead of the one-way speed. A key precaution was ensuring that the components of the experiments did not form a closed loop. These experiments offer the potential to determine whether the speed of light is isotropic or anisotropic, with significant implications for the synchronisation of distant clocks.

Federation of Infectious Diseases Societies of Southern Africa (ZA)
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Advanced Frequency and Time Standards
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