An Explanation of the Sagnac Effect Based on the Special Theory of Relativity, the de Broglie/Bohm Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics, and a Non-Zero Rest Mass for the Photon
Patrick J. Fleming
Keywords: Special Theory of Relativity, de Broglie, Bohm, Quantum Mechanics, Mass, Photon
If a beam of light (photons) is split by means of a combined beam splitter/interferometer and sent in opposite directions around the circumference of a stationary disc using mirrors or optical fibres, an interference pattern is observed on the interferometer. The disc is capable of being rotated, and the apparatus is fixed in the laboratory. If the disc is now rotated the interference fringe is shifted on the interferometer relative to the stationary disc position. If the disc is now rotated in the other direction the fringe moves to the other side of the stationary disc fringe position. The effect was first observed by the French scientist G. Sagnac in 1910, and is named after him.
