Show simple item record

Local varying-alpha theories

dc.creatorBarrow, John David
dc.creatorMagueijo, João
dc.date.accessioned2014-05-29
dc.date.accessioned2018-11-24T23:18:22Z
dc.date.available2015-09-02T11:52:45Z
dc.date.available2018-11-24T23:18:22Z
dc.date.issued2015-07-20
dc.identifierhttps://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/250426
dc.identifier.urihttp://repository.aust.edu.ng/xmlui/handle/123456789/3262
dc.description.abstractIn a recent paper, we demonstrated how the simplest model for varying-alpha may be interpreted as the effect of a dielectric material, generalized to be consistent with Lorentz invariance. Unlike normal dielectrics, such a medium cannot change the speed of light, and its dynamics obey a Klein–Gordon equation. This work immediately suggests an extension of the standard theory, even if we require compliance with Lorentz invariance. Instead of a wave equation, the dynamics may satisfy a local algebraic relation involving the permittivity and the properties of the electromagnetic (EM) field, in analogy with more conventional dielectric (but still preserving Lorentz invariance). We develop the formalism for such theories and investigate some phenomenological implications. The problem of the divergence of the classical self-energy can be solved, or at least softened, in this framework. Some interesting new cosmological solutions for the very early universe are found, including the possibility of a bounce, inflation and expansion with a loitering phase, all of which are induced by early variations in alpha.
dc.languageen
dc.publisherWorld Scientific Publishing
dc.publisherModern Physics Letters A
dc.subjectVarying-alpha
dc.subjectearly universe models
dc.subjectself-energy
dc.titleLocal varying-alpha theories
dc.typeArticle


Files in this item

FilesSizeFormatView
Barrow & Maguei ... dern Physics Letters A.pdf172.8Kbapplication/pdfView/Open

This item appears in the following Collection(s)

Show simple item record