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Trachenko K. Viscosity and diffusion in life processes and tuning of fundamental constants. REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN PHYSICS. PHYSICAL SOCIETY (GREAT BRITAIN) 2023; 86:112601. [PMID: 37811635 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6633/acfd3e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Viewed as one of the grandest questions in modern science, understanding fundamental physical constants has been discussed in high-energy particle physics, astronomy and cosmology. Here, I review how condensed matter and liquid physics gives new insights into fundamental constants and their tuning. This is based on two observations: first, cellular life and the existence of observers depend on viscosity and diffusion. Second, the lower bound on viscosity and upper bound on diffusion are set by fundamental constants, and I briefly review this result and related recent developments in liquid physics. I will subsequently show that bounds on viscosity, diffusion and the newly introduced fundamental velocity gradient in a biochemical machine can all be varied while keeping the fine-structure constant and the proton-to-electron mass ratio intact. This implies that it is possible to produce heavy elements in stars but have a viscous planet where all liquids have very high viscosity (for example that of tar or higher) and where life may not exist. Knowing the range of bio-friendly viscosity and diffusion, we will be able to calculate the range of fundamental constants which favour cellular life and observers and compare this tuning with that discussed in high-energy physics previously. This invites an inter-disciplinary research between condensed matter physics and life sciences, and I formulate several questions that life science can address. I finish with a conjecture of multiple tuning and an evolutionary mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Trachenko
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom
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Davoudiasl H, Gehrlein J, Szafron R. Is the θ[over ¯] Parameter of QCD Constant? PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2022; 129:161802. [PMID: 36306742 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.129.161802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Testing the cosmological variation of fundamental constants of nature can provide valuable insights into new physics scenarios. While many such constraints have been derived for standard model coupling constants and masses, the θ[over ¯] parameter of QCD has not been as extensively examined. In this Letter, we discuss potentially promising paths to investigate the time dependence of the θ[over ¯] parameter. While laboratory searches for CP-violating signals of θ[over ¯] yield the most robust bounds on today's value of θ[over ¯], we show that CP-conserving effects provide constraints on the variation of θ[over ¯] over cosmological timescales. We find no evidence for a variation of θ[over ¯] that could have implied an "iron-deficient" Universe at higher redshifts. By converting recent atomic clock constraints on a variation of constants, we infer d(θ[over ¯]^{2})/dt≤6×10^{-15} yr^{-1}, at 1σ. Finally, we also sketch an axion model that results in a varying θ[over ¯] and could lead to excess diffuse gamma ray background, from decays of axions produced in high redshift supernova explosions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hooman Davoudiasl
- Physics Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, High Energy Theory Group, Upton, New York 11973, USA
| | - Julia Gehrlein
- Physics Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, High Energy Theory Group, Upton, New York 11973, USA
| | - Robert Szafron
- Physics Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, High Energy Theory Group, Upton, New York 11973, USA
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New Limit on Space-Time Variations in the Proton-to-Electron Mass Ratio from Analysis of Quasar J110325-264515 Spectra. Symmetry (Basel) 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/sym12030344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrophysical tests of current values for dimensionless constants known on Earth, such as the fine-structure constant, α , and proton-to-electron mass ratio, μ = m p / m e , are communicated using data from high-resolution quasar spectra in different regions or epochs of the universe. The symmetry wavelengths of [Fe II] lines from redshifted quasar spectra of J110325-264515 and their corresponding values in the laboratory were combined to find a new limit on space-time variations in the proton-to-electron mass ratio, ∆ μ / μ = ( 0.096 ± 0.182 ) × 10 − 7 . The results show how the indicated astrophysical observations can further improve the accuracy and space-time variations of physics constants.
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Martins CJAP. The status of varying constants: a review of the physics, searches and implications. REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN PHYSICS. PHYSICAL SOCIETY (GREAT BRITAIN) 2017; 80:126902. [PMID: 28805650 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6633/aa860e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The observational evidence for the recent acceleration of the universe demonstrates that canonical theories of cosmology and particle physics are incomplete-if not incorrect-and that new physics is out there, waiting to be discovered. A key task for the next generation of laboratory and astrophysical facilities is to search for, identify and ultimately characterize this new physics. Here we highlight recent developments in tests of the stability of nature's fundamental couplings, which provide a direct handle on new physics: a detection of variations will be revolutionary, but even improved null results provide competitive constraints on a range of cosmological and particle physics paradigms. A joint analysis of all currently available data shows a preference for variations of α and μ at about the two-sigma level, but inconsistencies between different sub-sets (likely due to hidden systematics) suggest that these statistical preferences need to be taken with caution. On the other hand, these measurements strongly constrain Weak Equivalence Principle violations. Plans and forecasts for forthcoming studies with facilities such as ALMA, ESPRESSO and the ELT, which should clarify these issues, are also discussed, and synergies with other probes are briefly highlighted. The goal is to show how a new generation of precision consistency tests of the standard paradigm will soon become possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J A P Martins
- Centro de Astrofísica da Universidade do Porto, Rua das Estrelas, 4150-762 Porto, Portugal. Instituto de Astrofísica e Ciências do Espaço, CAUP, Rua das Estrelas, 4150-762 Porto, Portugal
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CONSTRAINT ON A COSMOLOGICAL VARIATION IN THE PROTON-TO-ELECTRON MASS RATIO FROM ELECTRONIC CO ABSORPTION. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.3847/0004-637x/826/2/192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Leite A, Martins C. Current and future constraints on Bekenstein-type models for varying couplings. Int J Clin Exp Med 2016. [DOI: 10.1103/physrevd.94.023503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Bagdonaite J, Ubachs W, Murphy MT, Whitmore JB. Constraint on a varying proton-electron mass ratio 1.5 billion years after the big bang. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2015; 114:071301. [PMID: 25763949 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.114.071301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A molecular hydrogen absorber at a lookback time of 12.4 billion years, corresponding to 10% of the age of the Universe today, is analyzed to put a constraint on a varying proton-electron mass ratio, μ. A high resolution spectrum of the J1443+2724 quasar, which was observed with the Very Large Telescope, is used to create an accurate model of 89 Lyman and Werner band transitions whose relative frequencies are sensitive to μ, yielding a limit on the relative deviation from the current laboratory value of Δμ/μ=(-9.5 ± 5.4(stat)± 5.3(syst))×10(-6).
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Affiliation(s)
- J Bagdonaite
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and LaserLaB, VU University, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - W Ubachs
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and LaserLaB, VU University, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - M T Murphy
- Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria 3122, Australia
| | - J B Whitmore
- Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria 3122, Australia
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Huntemann N, Lipphardt B, Tamm C, Gerginov V, Weyers S, Peik E. Improved limit on a temporal variation of mp/me from comparisons of Yb+ and Cs atomic clocks. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2014; 113:210802. [PMID: 25479483 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.113.210802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Accurate measurements of different transition frequencies between atomic levels of the electronic and hyperfine structure over time are used to investigate temporal variations of the fine structure constant α and the proton-to-electron mass ratio μ. We measure the frequency of the (2)S1/2→(2)F7/2 electric octupole (E3) transition in (171)Yb(+) against two caesium fountain clocks as f(E3)=642,121,496,772,645.36 Hz with an improved fractional uncertainty of 3.9×10(-16). This transition frequency shows a strong sensitivity to changes of α. Together with a number of previous and recent measurements of the (2)S1/2→(2)D3/2 electric quadrupole transition in (171)Yb(+) and with data from other elements, a least-squares analysis yields (1/α)(dα/dt)=-0.20(20)×10(-16)/yr and (1/μ)(dμ/dt)=-0.5(1.6)×10(-16)/yr, confirming a previous limit on dα/dt and providing the most stringent limit on dμ/dt from laboratory experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Huntemann
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Bundesallee 100, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - B Lipphardt
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Bundesallee 100, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Chr Tamm
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Bundesallee 100, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - V Gerginov
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Bundesallee 100, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - S Weyers
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Bundesallee 100, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - E Peik
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Bundesallee 100, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany
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Jansen P, Bethlem HL, Ubachs W. Perspective: Tipping the scales: Search for drifting constants from molecular spectra. J Chem Phys 2014; 140:010901. [DOI: 10.1063/1.4853735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Bagdonaite J, Daprà M, Jansen P, Bethlem HL, Ubachs W, Muller S, Henkel C, Menten KM. Robust constraint on a drifting proton-to-electron mass ratio at z=0.89 from methanol observation at three radio telescopes. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2013; 111:231101. [PMID: 24476248 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.111.231101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A limit on a possible cosmological variation of the proton-to-electron mass ratio μ is derived from methanol (CH3OH) absorption lines in the benchmark PKS1830-211 lensing galaxy at redshift z=0.89 observed with the Effelsberg 100-m radio telescope, the Institute de Radio Astronomie Millimétrique 30-m telescope, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. Ten different absorption lines of CH3OH covering a wide range of sensitivity coefficients K(μ) are used to derive a purely statistical 1σ constraint of Δμ/μ=(1.5±1.5)×10(-7) for a lookback time of 7.5 billion years. Systematic effects of chemical segregation, excitation temperature, frequency dependence, and time variability of the background source are quantified. A multidimensional linear regression analysis leads to a robust constraint of Δμ/μ=(-1.0±0.8(stat)±1.0(sys))×10(-7).
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Affiliation(s)
- J Bagdonaite
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - M Daprà
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - P Jansen
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - H L Bethlem
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - W Ubachs
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - S Muller
- Onsala Space Observatory, Chalmers University of Technology, SE 439-92 Onsala, Sweden
| | - C Henkel
- Max-Planck-Institut für Radioastronomie, Auf dem Hügel 69, 53121 Bonn, Germany and Astronony Department, King Abdulaziz University, Post Office Box 80203, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - K M Menten
- Max-Planck-Institut für Radioastronomie, Auf dem Hügel 69, 53121 Bonn, Germany
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Ellingsen S, Voronkov M, Breen S. Practical limitations on astrophysical observations of methanol to investigate variations in the proton-to-electron mass ratio. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2011; 107:270801. [PMID: 22243297 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.107.270801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The possibility of using astrophysical observations of rotational transitions in the methanol molecule to measure, or constrain temporal and spatial variations in the proton-to-electron mass ratio (μ) has recently been investigated by several groups. Here we outline some of the practical considerations of making such observations, including both the instrumental and astrophysical limitations which exist at present. This leads us to conclude that such observations are unlikely to be able to improve evidence either for, or against the presence of variations in the proton-to-electron mass ratio by more than an order of magnitude beyond current limits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Ellingsen
- School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Tasmania, TAS 7001, Australia.
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Maity D, Chen P. Constraining parity and charge-parity violating varying-alpha theory through laboratory experiments. Int J Clin Exp Med 2011. [DOI: 10.1103/physrevd.84.026008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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van Weerdenburg F, Murphy MT, Malec AL, Kaper L, Ubachs W. First constraint on cosmological variation of the proton-to-electron mass ratio from two independent telescopes. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2011; 106:180802. [PMID: 21635080 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.106.180802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
A high signal-to-noise spectrum covering the largest number of hydrogen lines (90 H(2) lines and 6 HD lines) in a high-redshift object was analyzed from an observation along the sight line to the bright quasar source J2123-005 with the Ultraviolet and Visual Echelle Spectrograph on the European Southern Observatory Very Large Telescope (Paranal, Chile). This delivers a constraint on a possible variation of the proton-to-electron mass ratio of Δμ/μ=(8.5 ± 3.6(stat) ± 2.2(syst))×10(-6) at redshift z(abs) = 2.059, which agrees well with a recently published result on the same system observed at the Keck telescope yielding Δμ/μ=(5.6 ± 5.5(stat) ± 2.9(syst))×10(-6). Both analyses used the same robust absorption line fitting procedures with detailed consideration of systematic errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- F van Weerdenburg
- Institute for Lasers, Life and Biophotonics, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Uzan JP. Varying Constants, Gravitation and Cosmology. LIVING REVIEWS IN RELATIVITY 2011; 14:2. [PMID: 28179829 PMCID: PMC5256069 DOI: 10.12942/lrr-2011-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2011] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Fundamental constants are a cornerstone of our physical laws. Any constant varying in space and/or time would reflect the existence of an almost massless field that couples to matter. This will induce a violation of the universality of free fall. Thus, it is of utmost importance for our understanding of gravity and of the domain of validity of general relativity to test for their constancy. We detail the relations between the constants, the tests of the local position invariance and of the universality of free fall. We then review the main experimental and observational constraints that have been obtained from atomic clocks, the Oklo phenomenon, solar system observations, meteorite dating, quasar absorption spectra, stellar physics, pulsar timing, the cosmic microwave background and big bang nucleosynthesis. At each step we describe the basics of each system, its dependence with respect to the constants, the known systematic effects and the most recent constraints that have been obtained. We then describe the main theoretical frameworks in which the low-energy constants may actually be varying and we focus on the unification mechanisms and the relations between the variation of different constants. To finish, we discuss the more speculative possibility of understanding their numerical values and the apparent fine-tuning that they confront us with.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Philippe Uzan
- Institut d’Astrophysique de Paris, UMR-7095 du CNRS, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 98 bis bd Arago, 75014 Paris, France
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Cape Town University, Rondebosch, 7701 South Africa
- National Institute for Theoretical Physics (NITheP), Stellenbosch, 7600 South Africa
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Bailly D, Salumbides E, Vervloet M, Ubachs W. Accurate level energies in the EF1, GK1, H1, B1, , B′1, , , J1Δgstates of H2. Mol Phys 2010. [DOI: 10.1080/00268970903413350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Ivanov T, Dickenson G, Roudjane M, Oliveira ND, Joyeux D, Nahon L, Tchang-Brillet WÜ, Ubachs W. Fourier-transform spectroscopy of HD in the vacuum ultraviolet at λ = 87–112 nm. Mol Phys 2010. [DOI: 10.1080/00268971003649307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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