WMAP 5-year constraints on time variation of $\alpha$ and $m_e$
Abstract
We studied the role of fundamental constants in an updated recombination scenario, focusing on the time variation of the fine structure constant \alpha and the electron mass m_e in the early Universe. Using CMB data including WMAP 5-yr release, and the 2dFGRS power spectrum, we put bounds on variations of these constants, when both constants are allowed to vary, and in the case that only one of them is variable. In particular, we have found that -0.019 < \Delta \alpha / \alpha_0 < 0.017 (95% c.l.), in our joint estimation of \alpha and cosmological parameters. Finally, we analyze how the constraints depends on the recombination scenario.
Cite
@article{arxiv.0910.1083,
title = {WMAP 5-year constraints on time variation of $\alpha$ and $m_e$},
author = {Claudia G. Scóccola and Susana J. Landau and Hector Vucetich},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0910.1083},
year = {2010}
}
Comments
IAU 2009 JD9 conference proceedings. MmSAIt, vol.80 in press Paolo Molaro & Elisabeth Vangioni eds. (updated information about journal)