Author_Institution :
Dept. of Phys., Colorado Univ., Boulder, CO, USA
Abstract :
Numerous examples of relativistic effects which are important for current and future navigation, timing, and communications systems are discussed. It is noted that three relativistic effects, time dilation, the Sagnac effect, and gravitational frequency shifts, must be accounted for in order for modern systems to work properly. These effects are related in a nonmathematical way to fundamental relativity principles, i.e., constancy of the speed of light and the principle of equivalence. Examples of current and future engineering applications are discussed, such as in the Global Positioning System, and in time synchronization systems, geodesy, and communications
Keywords :
Global Positioning System; geodesy; navigation; special relativity; telecommunication; time measurement; timing; Global Positioning System; Sagnac effect; communications systems; fundamental relativity principles; geodesy; gravitational frequency shifts; principle of equivalence; relativistic effects; speed of light; time dilation; time synchronization systems; Atomic clocks; Frequency synchronization; Global Positioning System; Mercury (metals); Optical propagation; Physics; Relativistic effects; Sagnac interferometers; Stability; Timing;
