WMAP Constraints on varying $α$ and the Promise of Reionization

Details WMAP Constraints on varying $α$ and the Promise of Reionization WMAP Constraints on varying $α$ and the Promise of Reionization

2003-02-14

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0302295v2

Phys.Lett.B585:29-34,2004

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Version to appear in Phys Lett B

Scientific paper

10.1016/j.physletb.2003.11.080

We present up-to-date constraints on the value of the fine-structure constant at the epoch of decoupling from the recent observations made by the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) satellite. In the framework of models we considered, a positive (negative) variation of the value of $\alpha$ at decoupling with respect to the present-day value is now bounded to be smaller than 2% (6%) at 95% confidence level. We point out that the existence of an early reionization epoch as suggested by the above measurements will, when more accurate cosmic microwave background polarization data is available, lead to considerably tighter constraints. The so-called `reionization bump', in particular, will be extremely useful for this purpose. We find that constraints on $\alpha$ can in principle only be as small as $0.1 %$ using CMB data alone--tighter constraints will require further (non-CMB) priors.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

WMAP Constraints on varying $α$ and the Promise of Reionization 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 WMAP Constraints on varying $α$ and the Promise of Reionization, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and WMAP Constraints on varying $α$ and the Promise of Reionization will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-306768