The relativistic theory of the Fresnel drag coefficient

Abstract

IN this communication I give a somewhat more general discussion of the Fresnel drag coefficient than is usual, with the view of clarifying the relation between two expressions for it, which occur in the literature of special relativity. These expressions are normally derived separately and their relationship has recently been discussed by Synge1. I take a further step here, by showing how both results can be obtained from a single argument. This procedure directs appropriate attention to step (6) (see below), which is the crucial point in both cases. The necessary background may be outlined as follows: © 1961 Nature Publishing Group.