Further consistency tests of the stability of fundamental couplings

Abstract

In a recent publication [Ferreira {\it et al.}, Phys. Rev. D89 (2014) 083011] we tested the consistency of current astrophysical tests of the stability of the fine-structure constant $\alpha$ and the proton-to-electron mass ratio $\mu =m_p/m_e$ (mostly obtained in the optical/ultraviolet) with combined measurements of $\alpha$, $\mu$ and the proton gyromagnetic ratio $g_p$ (mostly in the radio band). Given the significant observational progress made in the past year, we now revisit and update this analysis. We find that apparent inconsistencies, at about the two-sigma level, persist and are in some cases enhanced, especially for matter era measurements (corresponding to redshifts $z>1$). Although hidden systematics may be the more plausible explanation, we briefly highlight the importance of clarifying this issue, which is within the reach of state-of-the art observational facilities such as ALMA and ESPRESSO.

8 pages, 5 figures

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Cited by in corpus (7)

• The status of varying constants: a review of the physics, searches and implications
• Stability of fundamental couplings: a global analysis
• Dark energy constraints from ESPRESSO tests of the stability of fundamental couplings
• Consistency of local and astrophysical tests of the stability of fundamental constants
• Current and future constraints on Bekenstein-type models for varying couplings
• Cosmological and astrophysical constraints on tachyon dark energy models
• On Generalized Theories of Varying Fine Structure Constant