Environmental Dependence of Masses and Coupling Constants
arXiv:0709.3825 · doi:10.1103/PhysRevD.77.043524
Abstract
We construct a class of scalar field models coupled to matter that lead to the dependence of masses and coupling constants on the ambient matter density. Such models predict a deviation of couplings measured on the Earth from values determined in low-density astrophysical environments, but do not necessarily require the evolution of coupling constants with the redshift in the recent cosmological past. Additional laboratory and astrophysical tests of Δαand Δ(m_p/m_e) as functions of the ambient matter density are warranted.
20 pages, no figures, references added, minor editorial changes
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