Test Theories for Lorentz Invariance

Abstract

After a very short review of the principles underlying Special Relativity, their meaning, and their consequences, we first describe the basic experiments testing SR in a model–independent way which is the most basic way to describe experiments testing the foundations of SR. In order to be able to give quantitative estimates of the validation of SR and, even more important, in order to be able to compare conceptually different experiments, one introduces test theories. We give a review of test theories needed for a consistent description of tests of Lorentz Invariance. The main emphasize is on kinematical test theories of Robertson and Mansouris–Sexl type. Though these test theories were very important in reaching a new understanding of the experimental foundation of SR, an extensive discussion shows that are kinematical test theories are incomplete and, thus, dynamical test theories like the Standard Model Extension are superior.