A study of space–time variation of the gravitational constant using high-resolution quasar spectra

Abstract

The possibility of motivational probes variations in dimensionless fundamental constants like the fine-structure constant, the proton-to-electron mass ratio, and the gravitational constant could provide a significant test of grand unification theories (GUTs). The best way of probing these variations would be based on quasar absorption lines, which allow to test them directly at any regions or epochs of the universe. Using the high-resolution quasar spectra of J110325-264515, we find an upper limit on the temporal variation of $$\dot{G}/G = \left( {5.3 \pm 6.0} \right) \times 10^{ - 14} \,{\text{year}}^{ - 1}$$ . The constraints coming from this study will open new physical phenomena beyond the Standard Model that enables to check for the GUTs.