Quantum-gravity predictions for the fine-structure constant

Time-Varying Fine-Structure Constant and Quantum SuperStrings

In this note we observe that Webb and co-workers’ observation of an evolving fine structure constant has since been reconfirmed. We also confirm Kuhne’s contention that this implies a cosmological constant and exhibit a cosmological mechanism for Webb’s result. We also see how this provides a mechanism to reach elementary particle scales from the Quantum Superstring scale. Kuhne[1] suggested so...

The Meaning of the Fine Structure Constant

Generic predictions of quantum theories of gravity

I discuss generic consequences (sometimes called “soft predictions”) of a class of background independent quantum theories of spacetime called causal spin network theories. These are theories whose kinematics and dynamics is based on the evolution of labeled graphs, by local moves, such as in loop quantum gravity and spin foam models. Some generic consequences are well known, including the disc...

Derivation of the Planck and Fine-Structure Constant from Assis’s Gravity Model

Presently, Planck’s constant is a fundamental constant that can not be derived from other constants. Assis developed a model based on an extended Weber-type potential energy, that allows calculating gravitational-type forces from neutral oscillating electric dipoles. Here we show that the maximum possible point-mass in his model equals the Planck mass which allows us to derive Planck’s constant...

Time Evolution of the Fine Structure Constant

We present a short review of the current quasar (QSO) absorption line constraints on possible variation of the fine structure constant, α ≡ e 2 /¯ hc. Particular attention is paid to recent optical Keck/HIRES spectra of 49 absorption systems which indicate a smaller α in the past [1, 2]. Here we present new preliminary results from 128 absorption systems: ∆α/α = (−0.57 ± 0.10) × 10 −5 over the ...