Black Hole Constraints on Varying Fundamental Constants

Jane H. MacGibbon
Phys. Rev. Lett. 99, 061301 – Published 10 August 2007

Abstract

We apply the generalized second law of thermodynamics and derive upper limits on the variation in the fundamental constants. The maximum variation in the electronic charge permitted for black holes accreting and emitting in the present cosmic microwave background corresponds to a variation in the fine-structure constant of Δα/α2×1023 per second. This value matches the variation measured by Webb et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 82, 884 (1999); Phys. Rev. Lett. 87, 091301 (2001)] using absorption lines in the spectra of distant quasars and suggests the variation mechanism may be a coupling between the electron and the cosmic photon background.

  • Received 20 October 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.99.061301

©2007 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Jane H. MacGibbon

  • Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida 32224, USA

Comments & Replies

Comment on “Black Hole Constraints on Varying Fundamental Constants”

V. V. Flambaum
Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 069001 (2009)

MacGibbon Replies:

Jane H. MacGibbon
Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 069002 (2009)

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Issue

Vol. 99, Iss. 6 — 10 August 2007

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