scholarly journals BIMETRIC GRAVITY THEORY, VARYING SPEED OF LIGHT AND THE DIMMING OF SUPERNOVAE

2003 ◽  
Vol 12 (02) ◽  
pp. 281-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. W. MOFFAT
Keyword(s):  
Scalar Field ◽  
Structure Constant ◽  
Friedmann Equation ◽  
Gravitational Theory ◽  
Fine Structure Constant ◽  
Speed Of Light ◽  
Dark Energy Component ◽  
Bimetric Gravity ◽  
Physical Consequences ◽  
The Universe

In the bimetric scalar–tensor gravitational theory there are two frames associated with the two metrics ĝμν and gμν, which are linked by the gradients of a scalar field ϕ. The choice of a comoving frame for the metric ĝμν or gμν has fundamental physical consequences for local observers in either metric spacetimes, while maintaining diffeomorphism invariance. If the metric gμν is chosen to be associated with comoving coordinates, then the speed of light varies in the frame with the metric ĝμν. Observers in this frame see the dimming of supernovae because of the increase of luminosity distance versus red shift, due to an increasing speed of light in the past universe. Moreover, in this frame the scalar field ϕ describes a dark energy component in the Friedmann equation for the cosmic scale without acceleration. If we choose ĝμν to be associated with comoving coordinates, then an observer in the gμν metric frame will observe the universe to be accelerating and the supernovae will appear to be farther away. The theory predicts that the gravitational constant G can vary in spacetime, while the fine-structure constant α = e2/ℏc does not vary. The problem of cosmological horizons as viewed in the two frames is discussed.

VARIABLE SPEED OF LIGHT THEORIES: A THERMODYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF PLANETARY AND WHITE DWARF PHENOMENA

2011 ◽  
Vol 20 (05) ◽  
pp. 805-820
Author(s):  
PABLO D. SISTERNA
Keyword(s):  
Scalar Field ◽  
Time Variation ◽  
Equations Of State ◽  
Structure Constant ◽  
Hydrostatic Equilibrium ◽  
Fine Structure Constant ◽  
Variable Speed ◽  
Speed Of Light ◽  
Modified Equations ◽  
Scalar Contribution

The thermodynamics of a scalar field interacting with a perfect fluid is studied, and observable consequences of the covariant variable speed of light (VSL) theory proposed by J. Magueijo are obtained. The first law of thermodyamics is modified as the scalar field becomes an additional thermodynamical variable. A recipe to obtain the modified equations of state is also obtained. After discussing the Newtonian limit and the non-relativistic hydrostatic equilibrium equation for the theory, the time-variation of the radius of Mercury induced by the variability of the speed of light (c), and the scalar contribution to the luminosity of white dwarfs are found. Using a bound for the change of that radius and combining it with an upper limit for the variation of the fine-structure constant, a bound on the time-variation of c is set. An independent bound is obtained from luminosity estimates for Stein 2015B.

scholarly journals Reconstructing the evolution of dark energy with variations of fundamental parameters

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (H15) ◽  
pp. 303-303
Author(s):  
N. J. Nunes ◽  
T. Dent ◽  
C. J. A. P. Martins ◽  
G. Robbers
Keyword(s):  
Dark Energy ◽  
Scalar Field ◽  
Structure Constant ◽  
Dynamical Evolution ◽  
Accelerated Expansion ◽  
Fine Structure Constant ◽  
Quasar Absorption Lines ◽  
Fundamental Parameters ◽  
Expansion Of The Universe ◽  
The Universe

A popular candidate of dark energy, currently driving an accelerated expansion of the universe, is a slowly rolling scalar field or quintessence. A scalar field, however, must couple with other sources of matter. Consequently, its dynamical evolution can result in extra interactions between standard particles, which are mediated by the field, and to a variation in the fundamental parameters. Curiously, it has been reported that observations of a number of quasar absorption lines suggest that the fine structure constant was smaller in the past, at redshifts in the range z=1-3 (Murphy et al. (2003), Murphy et al. (2004), but see also Srianand et al. (2007)). Could this indeed be the signature of a slowly evolving scalar field?

scholarly journals TIME VARIATION OF FINE STRUCTURE CONSTANT AND PROTON-ELECTRON MASS RATIO WITH QUINTESSENCE

2007 ◽  
Vol 22 (25n28) ◽  
pp. 2003-2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
SEOKCHEON LEE
Keyword(s):  
Fine Structure ◽  
Scalar Field ◽  
Field Potential ◽  
Structure Constant ◽  
Coupling Constants ◽  
Fine Structure Constant ◽  
Electron Mass ◽  
Mass Ratio ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Universe

Recent astrophysical observations of quasar absorption systems indicate that the fine structure constant α and the proton-electron mass ratio μ may have evolved through the history of the universe. Motivated by these observations, we consider the cosmological evolution of a quintessence-like scalar field ϕ coupled to gauge fields and matter which leads to effective modifications of the coupling constants and particle masses over time. We show that a class of models where the scalar field potential V(ϕ) and the couplings to matter B(ϕ) admit common extremum in ϕ naturally explains constraints on variations of both the fine structure constant and the proton-electron mass ratio.

scholarly journals New Limit on Space-Time Variations in the Proton-to-Electron Mass Ratio from Analysis of Quasar J110325-264515 Spectra

Symmetry ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 344
Author(s):  
T. D. Le
Keyword(s):  
Fine Structure ◽  
Structure Constant ◽  
Space Time ◽  
Fine Structure Constant ◽  
Electron Mass ◽  
Mass Ratio ◽  
Quasar Spectra ◽  
Time Variations ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Universe

Astrophysical tests of current values for dimensionless constants known on Earth, such as the fine-structure constant, α , and proton-to-electron mass ratio, μ = m p / m e , are communicated using data from high-resolution quasar spectra in different regions or epochs of the universe. The symmetry wavelengths of [Fe II] lines from redshifted quasar spectra of J110325-264515 and their corresponding values in the laboratory were combined to find a new limit on space-time variations in the proton-to-electron mass ratio, ∆ μ / μ = ( 0.096 ± 0.182 ) × 10 − 7 . The results show how the indicated astrophysical observations can further improve the accuracy and space-time variations of physics constants.

scholarly journals Searching for space-time variation of the fine structure constant using QSO spectra: overview and future prospects

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (H15) ◽  
pp. 304-304
Author(s):  
J. C. Berengut ◽  
V. A. Dzuba ◽  
V. V. Flambaum ◽  
J. A. King ◽  
M. G. Kozlov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Reactor ◽  
Structure Constant ◽  
Big Bang ◽  
The Other ◽  
Fine Structure Constant ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variation ◽  
Fundamental Constants ◽  
Future Prospects ◽  
Big Bang Nucleosynthesis ◽  
The Universe

Current theories that seek to unify gravity with the other fundamental interactions suggest that spatial and temporal variation of fundamental constants is a possibility, or even a necessity, in an expanding Universe. Several studies have tried to probe the values of constants at earlier stages in the evolution of the Universe, using tools such as big-bang nucleosynthesis, the Oklo natural nuclear reactor, quasar absorption spectra, and atomic clocks (see, e.g. Flambaum & Berengut (2009)).

SPACE-TIME VARIATION OF COUPLING CONSTANTS AND FUNDAMENTAL MASSES

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (18n19) ◽  
pp. 3342-3353 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. V. FLAMBAUM ◽  
J. C. BERENGUT
Keyword(s):  
Structure Constant ◽  
Big Bang ◽  
Coupling Constants ◽  
Fine Structure Constant ◽  
Fundamental Constants ◽  
Big Bang Nucleosynthesis ◽  
Temporal And Spatial Variation ◽  
Physical Systems ◽  
Temporal And Spatial ◽  
The Universe

We review recent works discussing the effects of variation of fundamental "constants" on a variety of physical systems. These are motivated by theories unifying gravity with other interactions that suggest the possibility of temporal and spatial variation of the fundamental constants in an expanding Universe. The effects of any potential variation of the fine-structure constant and fundamental masses could be seen in phenomena covering the lifespan of the Universe, from Big Bang nucleosynthesis to quasar absorption spectra to modern atomic clocks. We review recent attempts to find such variations and discuss some of the most promising new systems where huge enhancements of the effects may occur.

scholarly journals Four direct measurements of the fine-structure constant 13 billion years ago

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (17) ◽  
pp. eaay9672 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R. Wilczynska ◽  
John K. Webb ◽  
Matthew Bainbridge ◽  
John D. Barrow ◽  
Sarah E. I. Bosman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fine Structure ◽  
Temporal Change ◽  
Structure Constant ◽  
Fine Structure Constant ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Weighted Mean ◽  
Near Ir ◽  
Very Large Telescope ◽  
Direct Measurements ◽  
The Universe

Observations of the redshift z = 7.085 quasar J1120+0641 are used to search for variations of the fine structure constant, a, over the redshift range 5:5 to 7:1. Observations at z = 7:1 probe the physics of the universe at only 0.8 billion years old. These are the most distant direct measurements of a to date and the first measurements using a near-IR spectrograph. A new AI analysis method is employed. Four measurements from the x-shooter spectrograph on the Very Large Telescope (VLT) constrain changes in a relative to the terrestrial value (α0). The weighted mean electromagnetic force in this location in the universe deviates from the terrestrial value by Δα/α = (αz − α0)/α0 = (−2:18 ± 7:27) × 10−5, consistent with no temporal change. Combining these measurements with existing data, we find a spatial variation is preferred over a no-variation model at the 3:9σ level.

scholarly journals Variation of the fundamental constants over the cosmological time: veracity of Dirac’s intriguing hypothesis

2016 ◽  
Vol 94 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cláudio Nassif ◽  
A.C. Amaro de Faria
Keyword(s):  
Fine Structure ◽  
Early Universe ◽  
Early Period ◽  
Planck Scale ◽  
Structure Constant ◽  
Energy Scale ◽  
Fine Structure Constant ◽  
Cosmological Time ◽  
Age Of The Universe ◽  
The Universe

We investigate how the universal constants, including the fine structure constant, have varied since the early universe close to the Planck energy scale (EP ∼ 1019 GeV) and, thus, how they have evolved over the cosmological time related to the temperature of the expanding universe. According to a previous paper (Nassif and Amaro de Faria, Jr. Phys. Rev. D, 86, 027703 (2012). doi:10.1103/PhysRevD.86.027703), we have shown that the speed of light was much higher close to the Planck scale. In the present work, we will go further, first by showing that both the Planck constant and the electron charge were also too large in the early universe. However, we conclude that the fine structure constant (α ≅ 1/137) has remained invariant with the age and temperature of the universe, which is in agreement with laboratory tests and some observational data. Furthermore, we will obtain the divergence of the electron (or proton) mass and also the gravitational constant (G) at the Planck scale. Thus, we will be able to verify the veracity of Dirac’s belief about the existence of “coincidences” between dimensionless ratios of subatomic and cosmological quantities, leading to a variation of G with time, that is, the ratio of the electrostatic to gravitational forces between an electron and a proton (∼1041) is roughly equal to the age of the universe divided by an elementary time constant, so that the strength of gravity, as determined by G, must vary inversely with time in the approximation of lower temperature or for times very far from the early period, to compensate for the time-variation of the Hubble parameter (H ∼ t−1). In short, we will show the validity of Dirac’s hypothesis only for times very far from the early period or T ≪ TP (∼1032 K).

A FIVE DIMENSIONAL MODEL OF EFFECTIVE GRAVITATIONAL AND FINE-STRUCTURE CONSTANTS

2002 ◽  
Vol 17 (29) ◽  
pp. 4317-4323 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. MBELEK ◽  
M. LACHIÈZE-REY
Keyword(s):  
Fine Structure ◽  
Scalar Field ◽  
Gravitational Constant ◽  
Structure Constant ◽  
Fine Structure Constant ◽  
Five Dimensional Model ◽  
Bulk Scalar Field ◽  
Structure Constants ◽  
Good Agreement ◽  
Kaluza Klein

It is shown that the coupling of the Kaluza-Klein (KK) internal scalar field both to an external stabilizing bulk scalar field and to the geomagnetic field may explain the observed dispersion in laboratory measurements of the (effective) gravitational constant. Except the PTB 95 value, the predictions are found in good agreement with all of the experimental data. The cosmological variation of the fine-structure constant is also addressed.

scholarly journals Accelerating universe and the time-dependent fine-structure constant

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (H15) ◽  
pp. 302-302
Author(s):  
Yasunori Fujii
Keyword(s):  
Fine Structure ◽  
Scalar Field ◽  
Structure Constant ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Fine Structure Constant ◽  
Time Variability ◽  
Accelerating Universe ◽  
Tensor Theory ◽  
The Right

I start with assuming a gravitational scalar field as the dark-energy supposed to be responsible for the accelerating universe. Also from the point of view of unification, a scalar field implies a time-variability of certain “constants” in Nature. In this context I once derived a relation for the time-variability of the fine-structure constant α: Δα/α =ζ Ƶ(α/π) Δσ, where ζ and Ƶ are the constants of the order one, while σ on the right-hand side is the scalar field in action in the accelerating universe. I use the reduced Planckian units with c=ℏ =MP(=(8π G)−1/2)=1. I then compared the dynamics of the accelerating universe, on one hand, and Δα/α derived from the analyses of QSO absorption lines, Oklo phenomenon, also different atomic clocks in the laboratories, on the other hand. I am here going to discuss the theoretical background of the relation, based on the scalar-tensor theory invented first by Jordan in 1955.

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