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.
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]
Copyright of Measurement Techniques is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Fine-structure+constant%22">Fine-structure constant</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Metrology%22">Metrology</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Spatiotemporal+processes%22">Spatiotemporal processes</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Measurement%22">Measurement</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Units+of+measurement%22">Units of measurement</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Chemistry+experiments%22">Chemistry experiments</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Astronomical+observations%22">Astronomical observations</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Frequency+standards%22">Frequency standards</searchLink>
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  Data: 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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  Data: <i>Copyright of Measurement Techniques is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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        Value: 10.1007/s11018-025-02433-2
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        Text: English
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      – SubjectFull: Metrology
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      – SubjectFull: Spatiotemporal processes
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      – SubjectFull: Units of measurement
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      – SubjectFull: Chemistry experiments
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      – SubjectFull: Astronomical observations
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      – SubjectFull: Frequency standards
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      – TitleFull: The fine-structure constant: a review of measurement results and possible space-time variations.
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            NameFull: Ivashchuk, Vladimir D.
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              Text: Jul2025
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              Y: 2025
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