Cosmological bounds on spatial variations of physical constants
- DAMTP, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, Cambridge University, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA (United Kingdom)
We derive strong bounds on any possible large-scale spatial variation in the values of physical constants whose space-time evolution is driven by a scalar field. These limits are imposed by the isotropy of the microwave background on large angular scales in theories which describe space and time variations in the fine structure constant, {alpha}, the electron-proton mass ratio, {mu}, and the Newtonian gravitational constant, G. Large-scale spatial fluctuations in the fine structure constant are bounded by {delta}{alpha}/{alpha} < or approx. 2x10{sup -9} and {delta}{alpha}/{alpha} < or approx. 1.2x10{sup -8} in the Bekenstein-Sandvik-Barrow-Magueijo and varying-speed-of-light theories, respectively, fluctuations in the electron-proton mass ratio by {delta}{mu}/{mu} < or approx. 9x10{sup -5} in the Barrow-Magueijo theory and fluctuations in G by {delta}G/G < or approx. 3.6x10{sup -10} in the Brans-Dicke theory. These derived bounds are significantly stronger than any obtainable by direct observations of astrophysical objects at the present time.
- OSTI ID:
- 20709071
- Journal Information:
- Physical Review. D, Particles Fields, Journal Name: Physical Review. D, Particles Fields Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 71; ISSN PRVDAQ; ISSN 0556-2821
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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