Joint Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics and Gravitation Theory Seminar,
February 9, at 2:30 PM,
Physics 1201



Effects of variation of fundamental constants from Big Bang to atomic clocks

Victor Flambaum

University of South Wales, Australia, and Institute for Advanced Studies, Princeton

Theories unifying gravity with other interactions suggest temporal and spatial variation of the fundamental "constants" in expanding Universe. I discuss effects of variation of the fine structure constant alpha=e2/hc, strong interaction, quark mass and gravitational constant. The measurements of these variations cover lifespan of the Universe from few minutes after Big Bang to the present time and give controversial results. There are some hints for the variation in Big Bang nucleosynthesis, quasar absorption spectra 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. A billion times enhancement of the variation effects happens in transition between accidentally degenerate atomic energy levels.

Contact Luis A. Orozco.