On Finslerian extension of special relativity

Abstract

We demonstrate that Robb-Geroch's definition of a relativistic interval admits a simple and fairly natural generalization leading to a Finsler extension of special relativity. Another justification for such an extension goes back to the works of Lalan and Alway and, finally, was put on a solid basis and systematically investigated by Bogoslovsky under the name "Special-relativistic theory of locally anisotropic space-time". The isometry group of this space-time, $\mathrm{DISIM}_b(2)$, is a deformation of the Cohen and Glashow's very special relativity symmetry group $\mathrm{ISIM(2)}$. Thus, the deformation parameter b can be regarded as an analog of the cosmological constant characterizing the deformation of the Poincare group into the de Sitter (anti-de Sitter) group. The simplicity and naturalness of Finslerian extension in the context of this article adds weight to the argument that the possibility of a nonzero value of $b$ should be carefully considered.