Dark Energy and Photon Dispersion of Gamma Rays

[K_h]

Hi,

Many have suggested that dark energy is the result of one or more currently
unknown quantum fields. If the dark energy quanta are approximately at rest,
relative to nearby galaxies, then could they interact with gamma ray photons
(of different energies) in such a way that it seems as if gamma rays of
different energies travel with slightly different speeds? If so then
checking for gamma ray dispersion from GRB's would be another great way to
test for the existence of dark energy.


I realize that a very weak coupling between the photon field and the dark
energy field(s) is a very speculative question but this possibility could
explain any gamma ray dispersion from GRB's without violating relativity.


Thanks in advance for any thoughts.


K

[Richard Saam]

K_h wrote:
> Hi,
>
> Many have suggested that dark energy is the result of one or more currently
> unknown quantum fields. If the dark energy quanta are approximately at rest,
> relative to nearby galaxies, then could they interact with gamma ray photons
> (of different energies) in such a way that it seems as if gamma rays of
> different energies travel with slightly different speeds? If so then
> checking for gamma ray dispersion from GRB's would be another great way to
> test for the existence of dark energy.
>
>
> I realize that a very weak coupling between the photon field and the dark
> energy field(s) is a very speculative question but this possibility could
> explain any gamma ray dispersion from GRB's without violating relativity.
>
>
> Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
>
>
> K
>

A lot of people are anticipating data from GLAST
which may answer these questions.

http://glast.gsfc.nasa.gov/

Richard D. Saam