Work

From Doppler Effect to Gauge Invariance

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: A novel introduction to gauge invariance is provided by basic pedagogical arguments. A standard problem on Doppler effect leads to a deep insight into the nature of the field theory which describes the photon. The gauge invariance emerges as a nontrivial symmetry which is necessary for the Lorentz invariance of local field theories, and some general properties of photons are recovered without any explicit use of Maxwell equations. The consequent local U(1) symmetry of all charged particles is then highlighted.

Source: Physics

DOI: 10.3390/physics8040074

Author: Fabio Siringo

Institutions: University of Catania, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Catania

Language: English

Topic: Quantum and Classical Electrodynamics

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,689

OpenAlex ID: W7221609476

FWCI:

Cites: 7

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