Light – The Absolute Measuring Tool

This article analyzes the relationship between two Cartesian coordinate systems, each linked to an inertial reference frame (IRF), when these are in relative motion. Building on the L-ARF framework, it is assumed that communication between the systems occurs via light signals traveling at constant speed c, while the systems move relative to each other at constant speed v. Through a thought experiment in which a light signal is sent from a system F to another system F', the times t and t' of the signal's arrival are derived, expressed in each system's variables. The result shows that t = t', i.e. no time dilation occurs. Furthermore, through a thought experiment with reflected light signals against two points in F, it is shown how F' can determine the length of a rod in F based solely on the time difference between the signals' return — without the length contraction predicted by special relativity.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2026-08-18
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21902129
Primary Topic
Relativity and Gravitational Theory
Type
preprint
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
preprint

Light – The Absolute Measuring Tool

Jan Slowak
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Relativity and Gravitational Theory
preprint

Light – The Absolute Measuring Tool

Jan Slowak
preprint en

Abstract

This article analyzes the relationship between two Cartesian coordinate systems, each linked to an inertial reference frame (IRF), when these are in relative motion. Building on the L-ARF framework, it is assumed that communication between the systems occurs via light signals traveling at constant speed c, while the systems move relative to each other at constant speed v. Through a thought experiment in which a light signal is sent from a system F to another system F', the times t and t' of the signal's arrival are derived, expressed in each system's variables. The result shows that t = t', i.e. no time dilation occurs. Furthermore, through a thought experiment with reflected light signals against two points in F, it is shown how F' can determine the length of a rod in F based solely on the time difference between the signals' return — without the length contraction predicted by special relativity.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Relativity and Gravitational Theory
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.