Variation of fundamental constants: theory and observations

Physics – Atomic Physics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Update on variation of fundamental constants. Int. J. Mod. Phys. A and McKellar/Joshi Festschrift proceedings (World Scientifi

Scientific paper

10.1142/S0217751X07038293

Review of recent works devoted to the variation of the fundamental constants is presented including atomic clocks, quasar absorption spectra, and Oklo natural nuclear reactor data. Assuming linear variation with time we can compare different results. From the quasar absorption spectra: $\dot{\mu}/\mu=(1 \pm 3) \times 10^{-16}$ yr$^{-1}$. A combination of this result and the atomic clock results gives the best limt on variation of $\alpha$: $\dot{\alpha}/\alpha=(-0.8 \pm 0.8) \times 10^{-16}$ yr$^{-1}$. The Oklo natural reactor gives the best limit on the variation of $m_s/\Lambda_{QCD}$ where $m_s$ is the strange quark mass. Huge enhancement of the relative variation effects happens in transitions between close atomic, molecular and nuclear energy levels. We suggest several new cases where the levels are very narrow. Large enhancement of the variation effects is also possible in cold atomic and molecular collisions near Feshbach resonance. Massive bodies (stars or galaxies) can also affect physical constants. They have large scalar charge $S$ proportional to number of particles which produces a Coulomb-like scalar field $U=S/r$. This leads to a variation of the fundamental constants proportional to the gravitational potential, e.g. $\delta \alpha/ \alpha = k_\alpha \delta (GM/ r c^2)$. We compare different manifestations of this effect.The strongest limit $k_\alpha +0.17 k_e= (-3.5\pm 6) \times 10^{-7}$.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Variation of fundamental constants: theory and observations does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Variation of fundamental constants: theory and observations, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Variation of fundamental constants: theory and observations will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-679653

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.