| Author(s): | Preuss, O., Haugan, M.P., Solanki, S.K., Jordan, S. |
| Title: | An astronomical search for evidence of new physics: Limits on gravity-induced birefringence from the magnetic white dwarf RE J0317-853 |
| Source: | to appear in: Phys. Rev. D |
| Year: | 2004 |
| Abstract: | The coupling of the electromagnetic field directly with gravitational gauge fields leads to new physical effects that can be tested using astronomical data. Here we consider a particular case for closer scrutiny, a specific nonminimal coupling of torsion to electromagnetism, which enters into a metric-affine geometry of space-time. We show that under the assumption of this nonminimal coupling, spacetime is birefringent in the presence of such a gravitational field. This leads to the depolarization of light emitted from extended astrophysical sources. We use polarimetric data of the magnetic white dwarf RE J0317-853 to set strong constraints on the essential coupling constant for this effect, giving k2 ~ (19m)2. |
| Preprint issued: | |
| Remarks: |
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Letzte Änderung/Updated: 03.12.2004