Related papers: Implications of a Time-Varying Fine Structure Cons…
This article describes the various experimental bounds on the variation of the fundamental constants of nature. After a discussion on the role of fundamental constants, of their definition and link with metrology, the various constraints on…
It is possible that fundamental constants may not be constant at all. There is a generally accepted view that one can only talk about variations of dimensionless quantities, such as the fine structure constant $\alpha_{\rm e}\equiv…
It is proved that local Lorentz transformations for different systems cannot derive varying speed of light. Based on the special relativity principle, an invariant speed is necessarily obtained. Therefore, the exact basic principles of the…
I argue that the laws of physics should be independent of one's choice of units or measuring apparatus. This is the case if they are framed in terms of dimensionless numbers such as the fine structure constant, alpha. For example, the…
There are some theoretical arguments about possible variations of fundamental constants with cosmic time. We review the fact that all conversion factors depend on these quantities and consider how their variations may affect transformations…
The various requirements on a consistent varying speed of light (`VSL') theory are surveyed, giving a short check-list of issues that should be satisfactorily handled by such theories.
In relativity and quantum field theory, the vacuum speed of light is assumed to be constant; the range of validity of general relativity is determined by the Planck length. However, there has been no convincing theory explaining the…
A method offering an order of magnitude sensitivity gain is described for using quasar spectra to investigate possible time or space variation in the fine structure constant, alpha. Applying the technique to a sample of 30 absorption…
According to the theory of ether light propagates with constant speed c with respect to the absolute reference frame and with respect to any other reference frame the speed of light is covariant. According to the theory of special…
A possible explanation is offered for the longstanding mystery surrounding the meaning of the fine structure constant. The reasoning is based on a discrete self-similar cosmological paradigm that has shown promise in explaining the general…
We discuss how laboratory experiments can be used to place constraints on possible variations of the fine structure constant alpha in the observationally relevant redshift interval z ~= 0 - 5, within a rather general theoretical framework.…
There has been some evidence that the fine structure "constant" $\alpha$ may vary with time. We point out that this variation can be described by a scalar field in some supergravity theory in our toy model, for instance, the N=8 extended…
We derive the formulae for the time variation of the gravitational "constant" G and of the fine structure "constant" \alpha in various models with extra dimensions and analyze their consistency with the available observational data for…
The invariance of the speed of light in all inertial frames - the second postulate of special theory of relativity (STR) - is shown to be an inevitable consequence of the relativity principle of special theory of relativity taken in…
We discuss experiments and observations aimed at testing the possible space-time variability of fundamental physical constants, predicted by the modern theory. Specifically, we consider two of the dimensionless physical parameters which are…
This thesis describes a detailed investigation of the effects of matter inhomogeneities on the cosmological evolution of the fine structure constant using the Bekenstein-Sandvik-Barrow-Magueijo (BSBM) theory. We briefly review the…
It is shown that varying speed of light cosmology follows from a string-inspired minimal length uncertainty relation. Due to the reduction of the available phase space volume per quantum mode at short wavelengths, the equation of state of…
Discussion of the constancy, or otherwise, of the various so-called universal constants which abound in physics has continued for many years. However, relatively recent observations, which appear to indicate a variation in the value of the…
Endeavours of the unification of the four fundamental interactions have resulted in a development of theories having cosmological solutions in which low-energy limits of fundamental physical constants vary with time. The validity of such…
We apply the variable speed of light into general relativity in order to solve the problems we met in the standard cosmology. We're surprised to find that, the results from the general relativity in cosmology are exactly the same as those…