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Related Experiment Videos

A simple cosmology with a varying fine structure constant.

Håvard Bunes Sandvik1, John D Barrow, João Magueijo

  • 1Theoretical Physics, The Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BZ, United Kingdom.

Physical Review Letters
|January 22, 2002
PubMed
Summary

This study explores a varying electric charge theory, showing the fine structure constant (alpha) changes with cosmic eras. The model aligns with cosmological data and suggests dark matter properties.

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Area of Science:

  • Cosmology
  • Theoretical Physics
  • Particle Physics

Background:

  • The constancy of fundamental physical constants is a cornerstone of modern physics.
  • Previous observations have hinted at possible variations in the fine structure constant (alpha) over cosmic time.
  • Understanding such variations could offer insights into new physics beyond the Standard Model.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cosmological implications of a theory where the electric charge (e) is not constant.
  • To examine the behavior of the fine structure constant (alpha) across different cosmic epochs within this varying charge theory.
  • To reconcile theoretical predictions with observational constraints from cosmology and astrophysics.

Main Methods:

  • Developing a theoretical framework for a varying electric charge.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Analyzing the predicted evolution of the fine structure constant (alpha) through the radiation, matter, and accelerating eras.
  • Comparing model predictions with existing data, including Big Bang nucleosynthesis, cosmic microwave background radiation, and quasar spectra.
  • Deriving constraints on the properties of dark matter.

    • Main Results:

    • The fine structure constant (alpha) remains nearly constant in the radiation era.
    • Alpha shows a small increase during the matter era.
    • Alpha approaches a constant value in the accelerating universe, consistent with a positive cosmological constant.
    • The model satisfies constraints from Big Bang nucleosynthesis, cosmic microwave background, and quasar spectra.
    • Specific restrictions are placed on the nature of dark matter.

    Conclusions:

    • A varying electric charge theory can be consistent with current cosmological observations.
    • The proposed model provides a framework for understanding the observed behavior of the fine structure constant.
    • Further experimental tests, such as analyzing stellar spectra and performing Eötvös experiments, are crucial for validation.