This thesis describes one of the most precise experimental tests of
Lorentz symmetry in electrodynamics by light-speed anisotropy
measurement with an asymmetric optical ring cavity. The author aims to
answer the fundamental, hypothetical debate on Lorentz symmetry in the
Universe. He concludes that the symmetry is protected within an error of
10-15, which means providing one of the most stringent upper
limits on the violation of the Lorentz symmetry in the framework of the
Standard Model Extension.
It introduces the following three keys which play an important role in
achieving high-precision measurement: (1) a high-index element (silicon)
interpolated into part of the light paths in the optical ring cavity,
which improves sensitivity to the violation of the Lorentz symmetry, (2)
double-pass configuration of the interferometer, which suppresses
environmental noises, and (3) continuous data acquisition by rotating
the optical ring cavity, which makes it possible to search for
higher-order violations of Lorentz symmetry. In addition to those
well-described keys, a comprehensive summary from theoretical
formulations to experimental design details, data acquisition, and data
analysis helps the reader follow up the experiments precisely.