Abstract
In previous analyses of the Oklo (Gabon) natural reactor to test for a possible time variation of the fine-structure constant 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 over the last years since the reactor was operating, of 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