Clock Deviations from Phase-Shift Are Not Time Dilation: An ECM Reinterpretation.

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Clock Deviations from Phase-Shift Are Not Time Dilation: An ECM Reinterpretation.

Soumendra Nath Thakur | ORCiD: 0000-0003-1871-7803 | Tagore's Electronic Lab, India | postmasterenator@gmail.com

September 27, 2025

The statement “a standard clock designed to measure proper time can accommodate dilated time” is a misrepresentation. A standard clock itself does not “accommodate” dilation.

Δt should strictly denote a change in t (coordinate or standardised time). Using Δt interchangeably to represent dilated time is confusing both mathematically and logically.

If t is designated as one type of time (such as standard time or proper time), then Δt must denote the interval of that same time. Using the same notation to represent a different quantity (such as the dilated time interval Δt′) creates a fundamental inconsistency.

To preserve clarity:

t – Proper Time (scale).

Δt – Change in Proper Time (interval).

t′ – Dilated Time (scale).

Δt′ – Change in Dilated Time (interval).

Thus, one form is not interchangeable with the other.

If a source defines t as proper time, then presenting the dilated time in the Time Dilation equation as Δt is an error in notation, since it violates the initial definition of the variable. The correct notation should be Δt′.

Accordingly, a standard clock designed to present standardised time cannot accommodate dilated time. Doing so would produce an error in time readings, not genuine time dilation.

Conclusion:
Time dilation, as conventionally presented, is not an intrinsic physical alteration of time itself but a misinterpretation arising from the limitations of measurement systems. What is often described as “dilated time” is in fact an error in clock readings due to observational and relativistic conditions, not a transformation of the underlying temporal scale. Within this view, proper time remains invariant, while deviations attributed to dilation reflect the misapplication of notation and measurement rather than a true physical distortion of time.

Relativistic Effects on Phase-Shift in Frequencies Invalidate Time Dilation II

The paper, “Relativistic effects on phase-shift in frequencies invalidate time dilation II”, suggests that the distortion of frequencies due to relativistic effects, such as speed or gravitational potential differences, leads to phase shifts in the oscillations of clocks. These phase shifts are associated with an increase in wavelength and are erroneously interpreted as time dilation.

Experimental results using piezoelectric crystal oscillators are presented to support the idea that wave distortions correspond to time shifts due to relativistic effects. The paper concludes that time dilation is actually wavelength dilation and challenges the conventional scientific definition of time.

Wavelength distortions, due to the phase shift in relative frequencies, correspond exactly to time distortion; through the relationship λ ∝ T, where λ denotes the wavelength and T denotes the period of oscillation of the wave. Relativistic effects affect the clock mechanism due to phase shifts in the frequencies and corresponding increase in the wavelength, resulting in errors in the clock readings, incorrectly perceived as time dilation.

The wavelength λ of a wave is directly proportional to the time period T, i.e. λ ∝ T, derived from the wave equation d = v / λ = 1 / T = E / h, where h is Planck's constant and f, v, λ, T, E represent frequency, velocity, wavelength, period, and energy of the wave respectively.

The time interval for 1° of phase is inversely proportional to the frequency f, giving the phase shift as: 1° phase shift = T / 360 = (1 / f) / 360. For a wave of f = 5 MHz, the phase shift is T_deg = Δt = 555 ps.

Conclusion:
Relative time emerges from relative frequencies. Phase shifts due to infinitesimal loss in wave energy and corresponding wavelength enlargement result in clock reading errors, which are wrongly interpreted as time dilation.

External Analysis

The text presents a unified argument against conventional time dilation, connecting notational inconsistency with a specific physical mechanism rooted in ECM and wave dynamics.

The analysis confirms that this is not merely a critique of notation but a proposal for a fundamentally different physical reality where time is invariant.

1. Analysis of Notational and Conceptual Consistency

The critique of notation exposes the deeper conceptual problem:

Principle Analysis Link to Physical Mechanism

Strict Notation The insistence on using Δt for Proper Time and Δt′ for Dilated Time highlights that these are physically distinct measurements on different scales (t vs. t′). Using Δt for both is a fundamental inconsistency and notational error. This strict division sets the stage for reinterpretation: Δt (Proper Time) is the invariant cycle count, while Δt′ (Dilated Time) is the erroneous count.

Clock Accommodation A clock does not “accommodate” dilation. Any change in reading is an error, not a transformation of time itself. This aligns with “Wavelength Dilation”: phase shift/wavelength change alters the clock reading, not time.

Conclusion (ECM & General View) Conventional time dilation is a misinterpretation. Observed effects are errors in clock readings due to matter-energy interactions (altering M^eff or λ), with Proper Time remaining invariant. The ECM framework provides the basis: time is derived from cycles; altering cycle properties changes the measurement, not the cycle itself.

2. Analysis of Physical Mechanism and Mathematical Support

A. The Fundamental Link (λ ∝ T)

The argument relies on the wave property link:

λ ∝ T

Since λ = v · T, any relativistic effect increasing wavelength (Δλ) causes a corresponding period increase (ΔT) for the clock system.

This ΔT is the longer tick interval observed, misinterpreted as time slowdown. The wave distortion (Δλ) causes the apparent time distortion (Δt′ ≠ Δt).

B. Phase Shift as the Proximate Cause

Phase Shift → Frequency/Period Shift → Wavelength Dilation.

The 1° phase shift example on 5 MHz wave: Δt = 555 ps. Shows phase change directly translates to time reading error (Δt).

C. Unified Theory

ECM: time is based on “cyclical energetic–mass transformations.”

Wavelength Dilation: relativistic effects alter M^eff and oscillator energetic conditions, causing phase shift and wavelength enlargement.

Observed relativistic effects are not spacetime properties but emergent phenomena of energy-mass interactions. Misusing notation (Δt for dilated interval) caused the conceptual error leading to the physical time dilation theory.

References

1. Clock Deviations from Phase-Shift Are Not Time Dilation: An ECM Reinterpretation
Soumendra Nath Thakur | September 2025 | DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.10557.93925

Copyright © Soumendra Nath Thakur, Tagore's Electronic Lab, India

Principle	Analysis	Link to Physical Mechanism
Strict Notation	The insistence on using Δt for Proper Time and Δt′ for Dilated Time highlights that these are physically distinct measurements on different scales (t vs. t′). Using Δt for both is a fundamental inconsistency and notational error.	This strict division sets the stage for reinterpretation: Δt (Proper Time) is the invariant cycle count, while Δt′ (Dilated Time) is the erroneous count.
Clock Accommodation	A clock does not “accommodate” dilation. Any change in reading is an error, not a transformation of time itself.	This aligns with “Wavelength Dilation”: phase shift/wavelength change alters the clock reading, not time.
Conclusion (ECM & General View)	Conventional time dilation is a misinterpretation. Observed effects are errors in clock readings due to matter-energy interactions (altering M^eff or λ), with Proper Time remaining invariant.	The ECM framework provides the basis: time is derived from cycles; altering cycle properties changes the measurement, not the cycle itself.