Detection method and observed data of high-energy gamma rays under the influence of quantum gravity

Abstract

The interaction of high-energy particles affected by quantum gravity is argued from the experimental viewpoint of raising a question, ''our detection method for high-energy γ-rays supplies trustworthy observation data and we are now seeing the true image of the universe through high-energy γ-rays?" The modified dispersion relation (MDR) for particles' energy and momentum is applied to the equation of energy-momentum conservation in particle reactions, to study the restriction imposed on the kinematic state of high-energy particles by the Lorentz invariance violation (LIV) due to quantum gravity, as a function of the incident particle energy of the reaction. The result suggests that the interaction utilized for γ-ray detection is not free from the effect of quantum gravity when γ-ray energy is higher than 1013 1017 eV depending on models of MDR. Discussion is presented on the prospect of finding clear evidence of the LIV effect from γ-ray observations, as well as on the radiation and propagation mechanism of γ-rays under the influence of the LIV effect. © 2014. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.