Next: Introduction
The Arrow of Electromagnetic Time
and Generalized Absorber Theory
J. G. Cramer
,
Dept. of Physics FM--15, Univ. of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
Published in Foundations of Physics 13, 887 (1983).
Abstract:
The problem of the direction of electromagnetic time, i.e., the complete
dominance of retarded electromagnetic radiation over advanced radiation in the
universe, is considered in the context of a generalized form of Wheeler-Feynman
absorber theory in an open expanding universe with a singularity at T=0.
It is shown that the application of a four-vector reflection boundary condition
at the singularity leads to the observed dominance of retarded radiation,
and also clarifies the role of advanced and retarded waves in the emission
of very weakly absorbed radiation such as neutrinos.
25.75.+r, 11.80.-m, 05.30.Jp
causality, time arrow, electromagnetic
John G. Cramer
Tue Sep 17 16:29:08 PDT 1996