Fermat Metrics
Keyword(s):
In this paper we present a survey of Fermat metrics and their applications to stationary spacetimes. A Fermat principle for light rays is stated in this class of spacetimes and we present a variational theory for the light rays and a description of the multiple image effect. Some results on variational methods, as Ljusternik-Schnirelmann and Morse Theory are recalled, to give a description of the variational methods used. Other applications of the Fermat metrics concern the global hyperbolicity and the geodesic connectedeness and a characterization of the Sagnac effect in a stationary spacetime. Finally some possible applications to other class of spacetimes are considered.
1996 ◽
Vol 28
(7)
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pp. 855-897
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Keyword(s):
2009 ◽
Vol 295
(1)
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pp. 289-291
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1998 ◽
Vol 174
(1)
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pp. 161-207
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1997 ◽
Vol 187
(2)
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pp. 375-415
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Keyword(s):
1995 ◽
Vol 15
(2)
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pp. 159-188
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