Synchronization gauge field, standing waves and one-way-speed of light

Abstract

The absolute nature of many fundamental predictions of the theory of special relativity, including the relativity of simultaneity, has been questioned in the literature owing to the choice of distant clock synchronization process in the theory. Here we discuss the consequences of Anderson-Vetharaniam-Stedman (AVS) conventionality synchronization gauge, which reflects the choice of synchronization convention, on the standing wave observable. We found that although the position of the node(s) is gauge invariant and remain the same as in the standard case of the stationary wave formation following the Einstein synchronization, the anti-node(s) becomes a gauge dependent (conventional) element and the resulting wave travels between two nodes, contrary to the experimental observation. The experimental detection of standing wave substantiates that the one-way velocity is equal to the round-trip velocity implying the uniqueness of the Einstein synchronization convention. The present analysis thus eliminates the (unphysical) synchronization gauge freedom of special relativity.