No Arabic abstract
We examine the recently derived quantum-mechanical relation between atomic polarizabilities and equilibrium internuclear distances in van der Waals (vdW) bonded diatomic systems [Phys. Rev. Lett. {bf 121}, 183401 (2018)]. For homonuclear dimers, this relation is described by the compact formula $alpha_{rm m}^{rm q} = Phi R_{rm vdW}^7$, where the constant factor in front of the vdW radius was determined empirically. Here, we derive $Phi = (4piepsilon_0/a_0^4) times alpha^{4/3}$ expressed in terms of the vacuum electric permittivity $epsilon_0$, the Bohr radius $a_0$, and the fine-structure constant $alpha$. The validity of the obtained formula is confirmed by estimating the value of the fine-structure constant from non-relativistic quantum-mechanical calculations of atomic polarizabilities and equilibrium internuclear vdW distances. The presented derivation allows to interpret the fine-structure constant as the ratio between the polarizability densities of vacuum and matter, whereas the vdW radius becomes a geometrical length scale of atoms endowed by the vacuum field.
Recent measurements of a peak in the angular power spectrum of the cosmic microwave background appear to suggest that geometry of the universe is close to being flat. But if other accepted indicators of cosmological parameters are also correct then the best fit model is marginally closed, with the peak in the spectrum at larger scales than in a flat universe. Such observations can be reconciled with a flat universe if the fine structure constant had a lower value at earlier times, which would delay the recombination of electrons and protons and also act to suppress secondary oscillations as observed. We discuss evidence for a few percent increase in the fine structure constant between the time of recombination and the present.
In this review we present a theory of cosmological constant and Dark Energy (DE), based on the topological structure of the vacuum. The Multiple Point Principle (MPP) is reviewed. It demonstrates the existence of the two vacua into the SM. The Froggatt-Nielsens prediction of the top-quark and Higgs masses is given in the assumption that there exist two degenerate vacua in the SM. This prediction was improved by the next order calculations. We also considered B.G. Sidharths theory of cosmological constant based on the non-commutative geometry of the Planck scale space-time, what gives an extremely small DE density providing the accelerating expansion of the Universe. Theory of two degenerate vacua - the Planck scale phase and Electroweak (EW) phase - also is reviewed, topological defects in these vacua are investigated, also the Compton wavelength phase suggested by B.G. Sidharth was discussed. A general theory of the phase transition and the problem of the vacuum stability in the SM is reviewed. Assuming that the recently discovered at the LHC new resonance with mass $m_S simeq 750$ GeV is a new scalar $S$ bound state $6t + 6bar t$, earlier predicted by C.D. Froggatt, H.B. Nielsen and L.V. Laperashvili, we try to provide the vacuum stability in the SM and exact accuracy of the MPP.
Radio-frequency electric-dipole transitions between nearly degenerate, opposite parity levels of atomic dysprosium (Dy) were monitored over an eight-month period to search for a variation in the fine-structure constant, $alpha$. The data provide a rate of fractional temporal variation of $alpha$ of $(-2.4pm2.3)times10^{-15}$ yr$^{-1}$ or a value of $(-7.8 pm 5.9) times 10^{-6}$ for $k_alpha$, the variation coefficient for $alpha$ in a changing gravitational potential. All results indicate the absence of significant variation at the present level of sensitivity. We also present initial results on laser cooling of an atomic beam of dysprosium.
Webb et al. presented preliminary evidence for a time-varying fine-structure constant. We show Tellers formula for this variation to be ruled out within the Einstein-de Sitter universe, however, it is compatible with cosmologies which require a large cosmological constant.
Precision calculations of the fine and hyperfine structure of muonic atoms are performed in a relativistic approach and results for muonic 205 Bi, 147 Sm, and 89 Zr are presented. The hyperfine structure due to magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole splitting is calculated in first order perturbation theory, using extended nuclear charge and current distributions. The leading correction from quantum electrodynamics, namely vacuum polarization in Uehling approximation, is included as a potential directly in the Dirac equation. Also, an effective screening potential due to the surrounding electrons is calculated, and the leading relativistic recoil correction is estimated.