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Mathematical definition of the fine-structure constant: A clue for fundamental couplings in astrophysics
- Source :
- APL Quantum, Vol 1, Iss 1, Pp 016111-016111-5 (2024)
- Publication Year :
- 2024
- Publisher :
- AIP Publishing LLC, 2024.
-
Abstract
- Astrophysical tests of the stability—or not—of fundamental couplings (e.g., can the numerical value ∼1/137 of the fine-structure constant α = e2/ℏc vary with astronomical time?) are a very active area of observational research. Using a specific α-free non-relativistic and nonlinear isotropic quantum model compatible with its quantum electrodynamics (QED) counterpart yields the 99% accurate solution α = 7.364 × 10−3 vs its experimental value 7.297 × 10−3. The ∼1% error is due to the deliberate use of mean-field Hartree approximation involving lowest-order QED in the calculations. The present theory has been checked by changing the geometry of the model. Moreover, it fits the mathematical solution of the original nonlinear integro-differential Hartree system by use of a rapidly convergent series of nonlinear eigenstates [G. Reinisch, Phys. Lett. A 498, 129347 (2024)]. These results strongly suggest the mathematical transcendental nature—e.g., like for π or e—of α’s numerical value of ∼1/137 and, hence, its astrophysical as well as its cosmological stability.
- Subjects :
- Atomic physics. Constitution and properties of matter
QC170-197
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 28350103
- Volume :
- 1
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Directory of Open Access Journals
- Journal :
- APL Quantum
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- edsdoj.f234219828e451dbff9c7d87b41b856
- Document Type :
- article
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0200259