Publication

Teaching about the relativistic background of synchrotron radiation: some intriguing aspects with strong didactic implications

Giorgio Margaritondo
2026

Abstract

Not fully grasping the concepts of relativity can lead to misunderstandings about the fundamental background of synchrotron emission. Here we deal with some intriguing cases, in which the relevant speed of light' is not the invariant c but the speed with respect to a moving object. This specifically affects two pillars of synchrotron radiation: the Lorentz length contraction and the Doppler shift. We propose a teaching strategy relying on new versions of simple thought' experiments. Besides putting synchrotron radiation on solid foundations, the approach amazingly leads to a unique link—described by Einstein as `remarkable'—between special relativity and quantum mechanics.

Official source

https://infoscience.epfl.ch/entities/publication/d68a0043-7e80-40b8-86ca-236e78b304fd

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Giorgio Margaritondo
2026

Abstract

Official source

https://infoscience.epfl.ch/entities/publication/d68a0043-7e80-40b8-86ca-236e78b304fd

About this result

Related concepts (32)

Principle of relativity

In physics, the principle of relativity is the requirement that the equations describing the laws of physics have the same form in all admissible frames of reference. For example, in the framework of special relativity the Maxwell equations have the same form in all inertial frames of reference. In the framework of general relativity the Maxwell equations or the Einstein field equations have the same form in arbitrary frames of reference.

Special relativity

In physics, the special theory of relativity, or special relativity for short, is a scientific theory of the relationship between space and time. In Albert Einstein's 1905 treatment, the theory is based on two postulates: The laws of physics are invariant (identical) in all inertial frames of reference (that is, frames of reference with no acceleration). The speed of light in vacuum is the same for all observers, regardless of the motion of light source or observer.

Theory of relativity

The theory of relativity usually encompasses two interrelated physics theories by Albert Einstein: special relativity and general relativity, proposed and published in 1905 and 1915, respectively. Special relativity applies to all physical phenomena in the absence of gravity. General relativity explains the law of gravitation and its relation to the forces of nature. It applies to the cosmological and astrophysical realm, including astronomy.

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