"Space-time variation of the fine-structure constant and evolution
of isotope abundances"
Mikhail Kozlov
Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute, Russia
Wednesday, February 2, 2005 -11 AM - 12:00 Noon in 375 LeConte Hall
Abstract
At present several groups are analyzing astrophysical data in a search
for the time variation of the fine structure constant alpha. We discuss how to
exclude systematic effects caused by changes in the isotope abundances during the
evolution of the universe. We suggest using particular combinations of the transition
frequencies of O II, Al II, Al III, Si II, and Mn II as anchors, which are
insensitive to alpha variation and to changes in isotope abundances. These
anchors can be used to determine the cosmological redshift. Then, one can use other
combinations of frequencies as probes for the time variation of alpha and as
probes for the isotopic abundances. In this way it is possible to eliminate one source of
systematic errors in the search for alpha variation and get more information about
evolution of the isotopes. On the level of accuracy that has already been reached
in the search for alpha variation it is possible to see 10% changes in isotope
abundances of Si and Ni
http://www.physik.uni-kl.de/bergmann/
