Variations Of Fundamental Physical Constants Research Articles

Spacetime variation of the s and c quark masses

Space-time variation of fundamental physical constants in expanding Universe is predicted by a number of popular models. The masses of second generation quarks are larger than first generation quark masses by several orders of magnitude, therefore space-time variation in quark masses may significantly vary between each generation. We evaluate limits on variation in the s and c quark masses from Big Bang nucleosynthesis, Oklo natural nuclear reactor, Yb+, Cs and Rb clock data. The construction of 229Th nuclear clock is expected to enhance these limits by several orders of magnitude. Furthermore, constraints are obtained on an oscillating scalar or pseudoscalar cold dark matter field, as interactions of the field with quarks produce variations in quark masses.

Fundamental Physical Constants: Search Results and Variation Descriptions

We consider the current results in search for and description of temporal variations of fundamental physical constants (FPCs) obtained under laboratory and astrophysical conditions. On the basis of fixed values of base constants, those FPCs have been chosen that can exhibit variations of greatest interest from the viewpoints of physics and metrology. An analysis of the current data concerning these constants is performed, and estimates of their variations on large time scales are presented. We point out the significance of studying long-term FPC variations for both practical and fundamental metrology.

Probing Time-Dependent Fundamental Constants with Nucleosynthesis in Population III Stars

Variations of fundamental physical constants have been sought for many years using various astronomical objects because their discovery can be key to developing beyond-standard physics. In particular, nuclear reaction rates are sensitive to fundamental constants, so nucleosynthetic processes can be used as a probe. We calculate the evolution and nucleosynthesis of massive Population III stars with the time-dependent nucleon–nucleon interaction δ NN , which may have left traces in elemental abundances in extremely metal-poor stars. The results are compared with the abundances in the most iron-poor star that has ever been discovered, namely, SMSS J031300.36-670839.3. It is found that calcium production in Population III stars is very sensitive to variations of the triple- α reaction rate and hence δ NN . We conclude that variations of the nucleon–nucleon interaction are constrained as − 0.002 < δ NN < 0.002 at the redshift z ∼ 20 , assuming that calcium in SMSS J031300.36-670839.3 originates from hydrogen burning in a massive Population III star.

Constraints on variations of mp/me based on UVES observations of H2

AbstractThis article summarizes the latest results on the proton‐to‐electron mass ratio μ derived from H2 observations at high redshift in the light of possible variations of fundamental physical constants. The focus lies on UVES observations of the past years as enormous progress was achieved since the first positive results on Δμ /μ were published. With the better understanding of systematics, dedicated observation runs, and numerous approaches to improve wavelength calibration accuracy, all current findings are in reasonable good agreement with no variation and provide an upper limit of Δμ /μ < 1 × 10–5 for the redshift range of 2 < z < 3. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Nonlinear multidimensional gravity and the Australian dipole

The existing observational data on possible variations of fundamental physical constants (FPC) confirm more or less confidently only a variability of the fine structure constant $\alpha$ in space and time. A model construction method is described, where variations of $\alpha$ and other FPCs (including the gravitational constant $G$) follow from the dynamics of extra space-time dimensions in the framework of curvature-nonlinear multidimensional theories of gravity. An advantage of this method is a unified approach to variations of different FPCs. A particular model explaining the observable variations of $\alpha$ in space and time has been constructed. It comprises a FRW cosmology with accelerated expansion, perturbed due to slightly inhomogeneous initial data.

MULTIDIMENSIONAL COSMOLOGY, CONSTANTS AND TRANSITION TO NEW SI UNITS

Main current problems of physics, gravitation and cosmology in particular are analyzed. Special attention is paid to results of the theory with extra dimensions and variations of fundamental physical constants. As an example the family of spherically symmetric solutions with horizon with multi-component anisotropic fluid is presented. The metrics of solutions are defined on a manifold that contains a product of n-1 Ricci-flat "internal" spaces. A simulation of black brane solutions is considered. For the solution with the fluid matter the post-Newtonian parameters β and γ corresponding to the 4-dimensional section of the metric are found.

MULTIDIMENSIONAL COSMOLOGY, CONSTANTS AND TRANSITION TO NEW SI UNITS

Main current problems of physics, gravitation and cosmology in particular are analyzed. Special attention is paid to results of the theory with extra dimensions and variations of fundamental physical constants. As an example the family of spherically symmetric solutions with horizon with multi-component anisotropic fluid is presented. The metrics of solutions are defined on a manifold that contains a product of n - 1 Ricci-flat "internal" spaces. A simulation of black brane solutions is considered. For the solution with the fluid matter the post-Newtonian parameters β and γ corresponding to the 4-dimensional section of the metric are found.

Cosmological observations to shed light on possible variations

Cosmology contributes a good deal to the investigation of variation of fundamental physical constants. High resolution data is available and allows for detailed analysis over cosmological distances and a multitude of methods were developed. The raised demand for precision requires a deep understanding of the limiting errors involved. The achievable accuracy is under debate and current observing proposals max out the capabilities of today's technology. The question for self-consistency in data analysis and effective techniques to handle unknown systematic errors is of increasing importance. This work is motivated by numerous findings of different groups that partially are in disagreement witch each other. A large part of these discrepancies reflects the different methods of handling systematic errors. Evidently systematics are not yet under control or fully understood. We try to emphasize the importance to take these errors, namely calibration issues, into account and put forward some measures adapted to the problem. Alternative approaches for some of the steps involved are introduced.

MULTIDIMENSIONAL COSMOLOGY AND FUNDAMENTAL CONSTANTS

Studies of multidimensional models with different sources (models with S -branes, thin and thick brane worlds, Kaluza-Klein type models in curvature-nonlinear multidimensional gravity etc.) and their application to the cosmological constant, cosmological singularity, hierarchy and coincidence problems are presented. Their observational predictions: variations of fundamental physical constants, new types of black holes and wormholes are discussed.

Variability of the proton-to-electron mass ratio on cosmologicalscales

The search for a possible variation of fundamental physical constants isnewsworthy more than ever. A multitude of methods were developed. So far theonly seemingly significant indication of a cosmological variation existsfor the proton-to-electron massratio as stated by Reinhold et al. [1]. The measuredindication of variation is based on the combined analysis of H2 absorptionsystems in the spectra ofQ0405-443 and Q0347-383 at zabs=2.595 and zabs=3.025, respectively. The high resolution data of the latteris reanalyzed in this work to examine the influence of different fittingprocedures and further potential nonconformities. This analysis cannotreproduce the significance achieved by the previous works.

Possible constraints on the time variation of the fine structure constant from cosmic microwave background data

The formation of the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) provides a very powerful probe of the early universe at the epoch of recombination. Specifically, it is possible to constrain the variation of fundamental physical constants in the early universe. We calculate the effect of a varying electromagnetic coupling constant $(\ensuremath{\alpha})$ on the CMBR and find that new satellite experiments should provide a tight constraint on the value of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ at recombination which is complementary to existing constraints. An estimate of the obtainable precision is $|\stackrel{\ifmmode \dot{}\else \.{}\fi{}}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}/\ensuremath{\alpha}|<~7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}13} {\mathrm{yr}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ in a realistic experiment.

Testing Cosmological Variability of the Proton‐to‐Electron Mass Ratio Using the Spectrum of PKS 0528−250

Multidimensional cosmologies allow for variations of fundamental physical constants over the course of cosmological evolution, and different versions of the theories predict different time dependences. In particular, such variations could manifest themselves as changes of the proton-to-electron mass ratio μ = mp/me over the period of ~1010 yr since the moment of formation of high-redshift QSO spectra. Here we analyze a new high-resolution spectrum of the z = 2.81080 molecular hydrogen absorption system toward the QSO PKS 0528-250 to derive a new observational constraint to the time-averaged variation rate of the proton-to-electron mass ratio. We find | /μ |<1.5×10−14 yr-1, which is much tighter than previously measured limits.

Variations of constants and red-shift in 6D cosmology

On the basis of the general class of solutions of 6D vacuum Einstein equations and using well-known results of the 6D geometric model of electroweak and gravitational interactions, the variations of fundamental physical constants and their influence on the observed red-shift of galaxies are investigated. By considering the interpretation of extra components of the 6D metric as reproducing the properties of matter in the 4D curved space-time, the effective quantities of matter are obtained. In particular, the states of dust and radiation are shown. The corresponding 5D models were also investigated.