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Neutron moderation in the Oklo natural reactor and the time variation of α

S. K. Lamoreaux and J. R. Torgerson
Phys. Rev. D 69, 121701(R) – Published 2 June 2004
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Abstract

In previous analyses of the Oklo (Gabon) natural reactor to test for a possible time variation of the fine-structure constant α, a Maxwell-Boltzmann low energy neutron spectrum was assumed. We present here an analysis where a more realistic spectrum is employed and show that the most recent isotopic analysis of samples implies a decrease in α, over the last 2×109 years since the reactor was operating, of (αpastαnow)/α>~4.5×108 (6σ confidence). Issues regarding the interpretation of the shifts of the low energy neutron absorption resonances are discussed.

  • Received 24 March 2004

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.69.121701

©2004 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

S. K. Lamoreaux and J. R. Torgerson

  • University of California, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Physics Division P-23, M.S. H803, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA

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Issue

Vol. 69, Iss. 12 — 15 June 2004

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