Early Universe Constraints on Time Variation of Fundamental Constants

Landau, Susana J.; Mosquera, Mercedes E.; Scoccola, Claudia G.; Vucetich, Hector

Early Universe Constraints on Time Variation of Fundamental Constants

Authors

Landau, Susana J.

Mosquera, Mercedes E.

Scoccola, Claudia G.

Vucetich, Hector

Description

We study the time variation of fundamental constants in the early Universe. Using data from primordial light nuclei abundances, CMB and the 2dFGRS power spectrum, we put constraints on the time variation of the fine structure constant $α$, and the Higgs vacuum expectation value $<v>$ without assuming any theoretical framework. A variation in $<v>$ leads to a variation in the electron mass, among other effects. Along the same line, we study the variation of $α$ and the electron mass $m_e$. In a purely phenomenological fashion, we derive a relationship between both variations.
18 pages, 12 figures, accepted for publication in Physical Review D