Changing α with Time: Implications for Fifth-Force-Type Experiments and Quintessence

Gia Dvali and Matias Zaldarriaga
Phys. Rev. Lett. 88, 091303 – Published 15 February 2002
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Abstract

If the recent observations suggesting a time variation of the fine structure constant are correct, they imply the existence of an ultralight scalar particle. This particle inevitably couples to nucleons through the α dependence of their masses and thus mediates an isotope-dependent long-range force. The strength of the coupling is within a couple of orders of magnitude of the existing experimental bounds for such forces. The new force can be potentially measured in precision experimental tests of the equivalence principle. Because of a coincidence of the required time scales, the scalar field can at the same time play the role of a quintessence field.

  • Received 10 September 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.88.091303

©2002 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Gia Dvali and Matias Zaldarriaga

  • Department of Physics, New York University, New York, New York 10003

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Vol. 88, Iss. 9 — 4 March 2002

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