$f(T)$ Theories and Varying Fine Structure Constant

Abstract

In analogy to $f(R)$ theory, recently a new modified gravity theory, namely the so-called $f(T)$ theory, has been proposed to drive the current accelerated expansion without invoking dark energy. In the present work, by extending Bisabr's idea, we try to constrain $f(T)$ theories with the varying fine structure "constant", $\alpha \equiv e^2/\hslash c$. We find that the constraints on $f(T)$ theories from the observational $\Delta \alpha /\alpha$ data are very severe. In fact, they make $f(T)$ theories almost indistinguishable from $\Lambda$CDM model.

12 pages, 4 figures, 1 table, revtex4; v2: discussions added, Phys. Lett. B in press; v3: published version