The fine-structure constant: a review of measurement results and possible space-time variations.
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| Title: | The fine-structure constant: a review of measurement results and possible space-time variations. |
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| Authors: | Bronnikov, Kirill A.1 (AUTHOR) kb20@yandex.ru, Ivashchuk, Vladimir D.1 (AUTHOR) vladimirdi@rostest.ru, Khruschov, Viacheslav V.1 (AUTHOR) vyacheslavvk@rostest.ru |
| Source: | Measurement Techniques. Jul2025, Vol. 68 Issue 3/4, p125-134. 10p. |
| Subjects: | Fine-structure constant, Metrology, Spatiotemporal processes, Measurement, Units of measurement, Chemistry experiments, Astronomical observations, Frequency standards |
| Abstract: | The article provides a brief description of the main methods used to determine the fine-structure constant. The exact value of the fine-structure constant is shown to play a crucial role in the new International System of Units and fundamental metrology. Recent measurement results and theoretical calculations of the fine-structure constant, as well as its possible space-time variations, are presented. The results of laboratory experiments on the search for long-term variations in the fine-structure constant are provided. Data from astrophysical and cosmological observations on the possible variability of the fine-structure constant are presented. The authors note the possibility of somewhat smaller values of the fine-structure constant in the remote past, as compared to its present value, as well as the existence of unsolved problems related to possible space-time variations in the fine-structure constant and the spread of the results of its accurate laboratory measurements. Despite the absence of long-term variations in the fine-structure constant that are experimentally confirmed with a high level of accuracy, possible practical applications of the results are noted, specifically, the creation of optical frequency standard having a high stability and frequency reproduction accuracy on the basis of the ytterbium-171 ion and a laser frequency synthesizer, which may replace the cesium frequency standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Engineering Source |
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| Abstract: | The article provides a brief description of the main methods used to determine the fine-structure constant. The exact value of the fine-structure constant is shown to play a crucial role in the new International System of Units and fundamental metrology. Recent measurement results and theoretical calculations of the fine-structure constant, as well as its possible space-time variations, are presented. The results of laboratory experiments on the search for long-term variations in the fine-structure constant are provided. Data from astrophysical and cosmological observations on the possible variability of the fine-structure constant are presented. The authors note the possibility of somewhat smaller values of the fine-structure constant in the remote past, as compared to its present value, as well as the existence of unsolved problems related to possible space-time variations in the fine-structure constant and the spread of the results of its accurate laboratory measurements. Despite the absence of long-term variations in the fine-structure constant that are experimentally confirmed with a high level of accuracy, possible practical applications of the results are noted, specifically, the creation of optical frequency standard having a high stability and frequency reproduction accuracy on the basis of the ytterbium-171 ion and a laser frequency synthesizer, which may replace the cesium frequency standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 05431972 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s11018-025-02433-2 |
