We present a review of recent works devoted to the variation of the fine structure constant alpha, strong interaction and fundamental masses. There are some hints for the variation in quasar absorption spectra, Big Bang nucleosynthesis, and Oklo natural nuclear reactor data. A very promising method to search for the variation of the fundamental constants consists in comparison of different atomic clocks. Huge enhancement of the variation effects happens in transition between accidentally degenerate atomic and molecular energy levels. A new idea is to build a ``nuclear'' clock based on the ultraviolet transition between very low excited state and ground state in Thorium nucleus. This may allow to improve sensitivity to the variation up to 10 orders of magnitude!
Huge enhancement of the variation effects is also possible in cold atomic and molecular collisions near Feschbach resonance.
We show why a dynamically varying fine structure constant does not impact on the Webb group's analysis as suggested by Bekenstein. We also provide a limit on the size of a possible correction to the Dirac Hamiltonian caused by a perturbation due to a dynamically varying alpha in hydrogen.
We consider an application of precision frequency measurements to searches for possible time variations of the fundamental physical constants. Current laboratory constraints on variations of the fine structure constant alpha and other fundamental constants are presented.
We calculate the dependence of the nuclear magnetic moments on the quark masses including the spin-spin interaction effects and obtain limits on the variation of the fine structure constant $α$ and $(m_q/Λ_{QCD})$ using recent atomic clock experiments examining hyperfine transitions in H, Rb, Cs, Yb$^+$ and Hg$^+$ and the optical transition in H, Hg$^+$ and Yb$^+$ .
Atomic microwave clocks based on hyperfine transitions, such as the caesium standard, tick with a frequency that is proportional to the magnetic moment of the nucleus. This magnetic moment varies strongly between isotopes of the same atom, while all atomic electron parameters remain the same. Therefore the comparison of two microwave clocks based on different isotopes of the same atom can be used to constrain variation of fundamental constants. In this paper we calculate the neutron and proton contributions to the nuclear magnetic moments, as well as their sensitivity to any potential quark ma…
Fundamental physical constants play important role in modern physics. Studies of their variation can open an interface to new physics. An overview of different approaches to a search for such variations is presented as well as possible reasons for the variations. Special attention is paid to laboratory searches.
The remarkable detection of a spatial variation in the fine-structure constant, alpha, from quasar absorption systems must be independently confirmed by complementary searches. In this letter, we discuss how terrestrial measurements of time-variation of the fundamental constants in the laboratory, meteorite data, and analysis of the Oklo nuclear reactor can be used to corroborate the spatial variation seen by astronomers. Furthermore, we show that spatial variation of the fundamental constants may be observable as spatial anisotropy in the cosmic microwave background, the accelerated expansion…
Detection of high-redshift absorption in the optical spectra of quasars have provided a powerful tool to measure spatial and temporal variations of physical ``constants'' in the Universe. It is demonstrated that high sensitivity to the variation of the fine structure constant alpha can be obtained from a comparison of the spectra of heavy and light atoms (or molecules). We have performed calculations for the pair FeII and MgII for which accurate quasar and laboratory spectra are available. A possibility of $10^5$ times enhanced effects of the fundamental constants variation suitable for labora…
We use the relativistic Hartree-Fock method, many-body perturbation theory and configuration-interaction method to calculate the dependence of atomic transition frequencies on the fine structure constant, alpha. The results of these calculations will be used in the search for variation of the fine structure constant in quasar absorption spectra.
This review article is devoted to application of precision molecular spectroscopy to studies of the possible spatial and temporal variations of the fundamental constants. Both astrophysical observations and laboratory experiments are discussed.
Atoms and molecules can serve as sensitive probes of a possible variation of the fine structure constant $α$ and electron-to-proton mass ratio $μ$. Two types of sensitivity coefficients are often used to quantify and compare the sensitivity of different species to the variation of fundamental constants. The dimensionless coefficients $K$ are related to the fractional sensitivity, while dimensional factors $q$ are related to the absolute sensitivity. Here we discuss several common errors and misconceptions regarding these coefficients that frequently appear in the literature.
We show that if one or more of the `constants' of Nature can vary then their values, as measured in the laboratory, should oscillate over the year in a very particular way. These seasonal changes in the constants could well be detected, in the near future, with ground-based atomic clocks.
Determination of the fine structure constant alpha and search for its possible variation are considered. We focus on a role of the fine structure constant in modern physics and discuss precision tests of quantum electrodynamics. Different methods of a search for possible variations of fundamental constants are compared and those related to optical measurements are considered in detail.
We consider the effect of the coupled variations of fundamental constants on the nucleon magnetic moment. The nucleon g-factor enters into the interpretation of the measurements of variations in the fine-structure constant, alpha, in both the laboratory (through atomic clock measurements) and in astrophysical systems (e.g. through measurements of the 21 cm transitions). A null result can be translated into a limit on the variation of a set of fundamental constants, that is usually reduced to alpha. However, in specific models, particularly unification models, changes in alpha are always accomp…
The detection of a spatial variation of the fine-structure constant, alpha, based on study of quasar absorption systems has recently been reported. The physics that causes this alpha-variation should have other observable manifestations, and this motivates us to look for complementary astrophysical effects. In this paper we propose a method to test whether spatial variation of fundamental constants existed during the epoch of big bang nucleosynthesis. Using existing measurements of primordial deuterium abundance we find very weak indications that such a signature might exist, but the paucity o…
A brief overview is given on precision determinations of values of the fundamental physical constants and the search for their variation with time by means of precision spectroscopy in the optical domain.
We propose to use diatomic molecular ions to search for strongly enhanced effects of variation of fundamental constants. The relative enhancement occurs in transitions between nearly degenerate levels of different nature. Since the trapping techniques for molecular ions have already been developed, the molecules HBr$^+$, HI$^+$, Br$^+_2$, I$^+_2$, IBr$^+$, ICl$^+$, and IF$^+$ are very promising candidates for such future studies.
The relative effects of variation of the fine structure constant alpha=e^2/hc and dimensionless strong interaction parameter m_q/Lambda_{QCD} are enhanced 5-6 orders of magnitude in very narrow ultraviolet transition between the ground and first excited state in 229Th nucleus (energy (3.5 +/- 1) eV). Corresponding experiment has potential of improving sensitivity to the variation of the fundamental constants by 7-10 orders of magnitude (up to 10^{-23} per year).
At present a number of current or proposed experiments are directed towards a search for a `new physics' by detecting variations of fundamental physical constants or violations of certain basic symmetries. Various problems related to the phenomenology of such experiments are considered here.
We consider fundamental physical constants which are among a few of the most important pieces of information we have learned about Nature after its intensive centuries-long studies. We discuss their multifunctional role in modern physics including problems related to the art of measurement, natural and practical units, origin of the constants, their possible calculability and variability etc.
We consider different options for the search for possible variations of the fundamental constants. We give a brief overview of the results obtained with several methods. We discuss their advantages and disadvantages with respect to simultaneous variations of all constants in both time and space in the range 10^{8}-10^{10} yr. We also suggest a few possibilities for the laboratory search. Particularly, we propose some experiments with the hyperfine structure of hydrogen, deuterium and ytterbium-171 and of some atoms with a small magnetic moment. Other suggestions are for some measurements of th…
We review recent activity searching for variations in the fundamental constants of nature in quasar absorption spectra and in the laboratory. While research in this direction has been ongoing for many decades, the topic has recently been stimulated by astronomical evidence for spatial variation in the fine-structure constant, alpha. This result could be confirmed using different quasar data and atomic clock measurements, but there are significant challenges to obtain the required accuracy. We review existing measurements and discuss some of the most promising systems where any variations would…
We show that the relative effect of variation of the fine structure constant in microwave transitions between very close and narrow rotational-hyperfine levels may be enhanced 2-3 orders of magnitude in diatomic molecules like LaS, LaO, LuS, YbF, etc. The enhancement is a result of cancellation between the hyperfine and rotational intervals.
Sensitivity of the frequencies of twenty two atomic transitions to the variation of the fine structure constant $α$ is calculated. The findings are to be used in search for possible variation of $α$ across our Galaxy using high quality spectroscopic data for stars similar to our Sun.
We have evaluated the Bloch-Siegert shift for the different values of magnetic field's strengths defined at astrophysical conditions, i.e. when the stars with the strong surface magnetic fields are taken as a powerful pumping source of radiation. It is found that the additional shift of resonant frequency should be taken into account in the search for the time variation of the fundamental constants. The main conclusion is that the influence of the electromagnetic field shift should be considered carefully in each special case of the corresponding frequency determination.
The search for variation of the fundamental constants such as the fine structure constant $α$ ($α=e^2/\hbar c$) and the ratios of fundamental masses (e.g., electron to proton mass ratio $μ=m_e/m_p$) is reviewed. Strong emphasis is given to establishing the relationships between the change in the measured frequencies of atomic, molecular or nuclear transitions and the corresponding change of the fundamental constants. Transitions in which the sensitivity of the frequency change to the variation of the fine structure constant is strongly enhanced are discussed and most recent experimental result…
Comparison of precision frequency measurements to quantum electrodynamics (QED) predictions for Rydberg states of hydrogen-like ions can yield information on values of fundamental constants and test theory. With the results of a calculation of a key QED contribution reported here, the uncertainty in the theory of the energy levels is reduced to a level where such a comparison can yield an improved value of the Rydberg constant.
Evidence that the fine structure constant, alpha, was different in an early epoch has recently been found in quasar (QSO) absorption spectra. An accurate laboratory measurement of alpha variation could help to distinguish between space and time variation of alpha and possibly confirm the QSO results. We have performed calculations of the relativistic energy shifts that a variation of alpha would cause in a wide range of atomic spectra. A laboratory measurement of how these transition frequencies vary over time is vital in determining whether alpha is varying today.
We use relativistic Hartree-Fock and configuration interaction methods to calculate the dependence of transition frequencies for singly ionized cobalt on the fine structure constant. The results are to be used in the search for variation of the fine structure constant in quasar absorption spectra.
We propose to search for scalar dark matter via its effects on the electromagnetic fine-structure constant and particle masses. Scalar dark matter that forms an oscillating classical field produces `slow' linear-in-time drifts and oscillating variations of the fundamental constants, while scalar dark matter that forms topological defects produces transient-in-time variations of the constants of Nature. These variations can be sought for with atomic clock, laser interferometer and pulsar timing measurements. Atomic spectroscopy and Big Bang nucleosynthesis measurements already give improved bou…
The CODATA recommended values of the fundamental constants are widely applied in particle, nuclear and atomic physics. They are a result of a complicated evaluation (adjustment) of numerous correlated data of different nature. Their application is often rather mechanical and as a result is not free of various confusions which are discussed in this note.
We study the electron correlation effects in the calculations of isotope shifts in Na and Mg+ using the relativistic coupled-cluster method. The trends of the correlation effects are explicitly discussed and comparison of the present results with the previously reported results are given. We also present the fine structure constant variation coefficients for many states in the above systems. From these results, it is possible to find out suitable transition lines those can be used as anchor and probe lines in finding possible variation in the fine structure constant.
A possibility for fundamental constants to vary in time is suggested by theories unifying gravity with other interactions. In this article we examine proposals to use optical transitions of Sr, Dy, YbII and YbIII for the search of the time variation of the fine structure constant $α$. Frequencies of atomic transitions are calculated using relativistic Hartree-Fock method and configuration interaction technique. The effect of variation of $α$ on the frequencies is studied by varying $α$ in computer codes. Accuracy of measurements needed to improve current best limit on the time variation of $α$…
We estimate sensitivity coefficients to variation of the fine-structure constant alpha and electron-to-proton mass ratio mu for microwave Lambda-type transitions in CH molecule and for inversion-rotational transitions in partly deuterated ammonia NH2D. Sensitivity coefficients for these systems are large and strongly depend on the quantum numbers of the transition. This can be used for the search for possible variation of alpha and mu.
We analyse the constraints obtained from new atomic clock data on the possible time variation of the fine structure `constant' and the electron-proton mass ratio and show how they are strengthened when the seasonal variation of Sun's gravitational field at the Earth's surface is taken into account.
Scattering length, which can be measured in Bose-Einstein condensate and Feshbach molecule experiments, is extremely sensitive to the variation of fundamental constants, in particular, the electron-to-proton mass ratio (m_e/m_p or m_e/Lambda_{QCD}, where Lambda_{QCD} is the QCD scale). Based on single- and two-channel scattering model, we show how the variation of the mass ratio propagates to the scattering length. Our results suggest that variation of m_e/m_p on the level of 10^{-11}~10^{-14} can be detected near a narrow magnetic or an optical Feshbach resonance by monitoring the scattering …
Dependence of transition frequencies on the fine structure constant $α=e^2/\hbar c$ is calculated for several many-electron systems which are used or planned to be used in the laboratory search for the time variation of the fine structure constant. In systems with a large number of electrons in open shells (from 11 to 15) the relative effects of the variation may be strongly enhanced. For the transitions which were considered before the results are in good agreement with previous calculations.
Configuration interaction in many-electron atoms may cause anomalies in the fine structure which make the intervals small and very sensitive to variation of the fine structure constant. Repeated precision measurements of these intervals over long period of time can put strong constrain on possible time variation of the fine structure constant. We consider the $5p^4 \ ^3$P$_{2,1,0}$ fine structure multiplet in the ground state of neutral tellurium as an example. Here the effect of change of the fine structure constant is enhanced about one hundred times in the relative change of the small energ…
We study transitions between ground and low-energy excited states of heavy ions corresponding to s-d single-electron transitions or s^2-d^2 double-electron transitions. The large nuclear charge Z and significant change in angular momentum of electron orbitals make these transitions highly sensitive to a potential variation in the fine-structure constant, alpha. The transitions may be considered as candidates for laboratory searches for space-time variation of alpha.
We perform accurate calculations of the dependence of transition frequencies in two valence electron atoms and ions on a variation of the fine structure constant, alpha. The relativistic Hartree-Fock method is used with many-body perturbation theory and configuration interaction methods to calculate transition frequencies. The results are to be used in atomic-clock-type laboratory experiments designed to test whether alpha varies in time.
Numerous few-electron atomic systems are considered which can be used effectively for observing a potential variation of the fine-structure constant $α$ and the electron-proton mass ratio $m_e/m_p$. We examine optical magnetic dipole transitions between hyperfine-structure components in heavy highly charged H-like and Li-like ions with observably high sensitivity to a variation of $α$ and $m_e/m_p$. The experimental spectra of the proposed systems consist of a strong single line, which simplifies significantly the data analysis and shortens the necessary measurement time. Furthermore, we propo…
Precision spectroscopy of atoms and molecules allows one to search for and to put stringent limits on the variation of fundamental constants. These experiments are typically interpreted in terms of variations of the fine structure constant $α$ and the electron to proton mass ratio $μ=m_e/m_p$. Atomic spectroscopy is usually less sensitive to other fundamental constants, unless the hyperfine structure of atomic levels is studied. However, the number of possible dimensionless constants increases when we allow for fast variations of the constants, where "fast" is determined by the time scale of t…
We study ultranarrow $5s_{1/2}$ - $4f_{5/2}$ transitions in Nd$^{13+}$ and Sm$^{15+}$ and demonstrate that they lie in the optical region. The transitions are insensitive to external perturbations. At the same time they are sensitive to the variation of the fine structure constant $α$. The fractional accuracy of the frequency of the transitions can be smaller than $10^{-19}$, which may provide a basis for atomic clocks of superb accuracy. Sensitivity to the variation of $α$ approaches $10^{-20}$ per year.
This report gives the 2014 self-consistent set of values of the constants and conversion factors of physics and chemistry recommended by the Committee on Data for Science and Technology (CODATA). These values are based on a least-squares adjustment that takes into account all data available up to 31 December 2014. The recommended values may also be found on the World Wide Web at physics.nist.gov/constants.
In polyatomic molecules with Π electronic ground state the ro-vibrational spectrum can be strongly modified by the Renner-Teller effect. The linear form of C3H molecule has particularly strong Renner-Teller interaction and a very low lying vibronic Σ+ level, which corresponds to the excited bending vibrational mode. This leads to the increased sensitivities of the microwave and submillimeter transition frequencies to the possible variation of the fine structure constant alpha and electron to proton mass ratio mu.
Any slight variations in the fundamental constants of Nature, which may be induced by dark matter or some yet-to-be-discovered cosmic field, would characteristically alter the phase of a light beam inside an interferometer, which can be measured extremely precisely. Laser and maser interferometry may be applied to searches for the linear-in-time drift of the fundamental constants, detection of topological defect dark matter through transient-in-time effects and for a relic, coherently oscillating condensate, which consists of scalar dark matter fields, through oscillating effects. Our proposed…
Advantages and disadvantages of fixation of fundamental physical constants' values for definition of SI units are considered. The case with a new definition of the mass unit on the base of a fixed value of the Avogadro constant is studied in detail. Criteria on choosing of a optimum FPC set with fixed values for the redefinition of the SI units are suggested. The minimal optimum FPC set that is consistent with the criteria is presented. The set comprises the speed of light, the constant of the ground state hyperfine transition of the caesium-133 atom, the Avogadro constant, the mass of the car…
