An alternative algorithm for adjusting the fundamental physical constants

Abstract

The adjustment of the fundamental physical constants according to least-squares appears to imply considerable dependence on the modelling of the random and (unknown) systematic errors. In contrast to the error formalism proposed and used before, the suggested alternative algorithm treats random errors on the basis of a so-called compound probability postulate, and the systematic errors as constant quantities to be assessed exclusively by symmetric intervals. The operational differences and the consequences of the various error formalisms are illustrated on the basis of the 1990 Status Report: Recommended Values of the Fundamental Physical Constants.