A theory of mass and gravity in 4-dimensional optics

Abstract

The paper deals with the concepts of mass and gravity in the formalism of 4-dimensional optics, previously introduced by the author. It is shown that elementary particles can be associated with 4-dimensional standing wave patterns with the Compton wavelength and both inertial and gravitational mass are derived from this concept and shown to be attributable to an waveguide laid along the particle's worldline; the same formalism is shown to accommodate also mass due to binding energy within compact bodies. Momentum exchange with accelerated bodies through gravitons is discussed and shown similar to mode exchange in optical fibers. Reported anomalies on the behaviour of the Foucault pendulum, both periodic and exceptional on the occasion of solar eclipses, are explained not only qualitatively but also on order of magnitude, resorting to graviton exchanges between Earth and the Sun or the Moon. It is argued that these effects provide experimental evidence of gravitons.