Stair-Step and Plateau Tests for z-Tension in Photon-Built Ridges

This paper investigates the plateau test geometry in photon-driven ridge formation, where successive sub-threshold increments are used to extend and stabilize ridge height near the collapse threshold. By analyzing stepwise accumulation and decay dynamics, the work clarifies why the commonly observed “three-pass” rule arises and under what conditions a third run may unexpectedly trigger collapse. The study highlights the distinction between smooth plateau builds and stair-step approaches, with attention to z-tension overshoot along vertical faces. These insights refine experimental protocols for measuring decay constants and collapse dynamics in optical systems, while also providing a structured framework for applying Great Universal Recycle (GUR) theory concepts to quantum transport, gravitational memory, and threshold regulation.