Abstract. We set constraints on O(E/M) Lorentz violation in QED in an effective field theory framework. A major consequence of such assumptions is the modification of the dispersion relations for electrons/positrons and photons, which in turn can affect the electromagnetic output of astrophysical objects. We compare the information provided by multiwavelength observations with a full and self-consistent computation of the broad-band spectrum of the Crab Nebula. We cast constraints of the order of 10⁻⁵ at 95% confidence level on the lepton Lorentz violation parameters.

Key words: high energy photons; quantum gravity phenomenology

E-print number: 0707.2673
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Received 20 July 2007, accepted for publication 30 September 2007
Published 19 October 2007