Astrophysics, clocks and fundamental constants
By: S.G. Karshenboim, E. Peik (eds.).
Contributors: Karshenboim, S. G. 1960-; Peik, E.
Series: Lecture notes in physics,; 648
Publisher: Springer
Published: 2004
Place of publication: Berlin; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 346
Subjects: Physical constants -- Congresses; Astrophysics -- Congresses; Mensuration -- Congresses; Metrology -- Congresses
Genres: Congresses.
Description: In 1937 the question of a possible temporal variation of the fundamental constants was raised by Paul Dirac in his "large number hypothesis." Today it appears in the context of the search for a unified theory of the fundamental interactions. It touches both fundamental and applied physics, as the postulated unalterability of the constants is the foundation for modern metrology. The book presents reviews written by leading experts in the field. Focussing on the question of variations of the fundamental "constants" in time or space, the chapters cover the theoretical framework in which variations are expected and the search for variations of quantities such as the fine-structure constant, the electron/proton mass ratio, g-factors of proton and neutron etc. in astrophysical and geophysical observations and in precision experiments with atomic clocks and frequency standards.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
"Invited reviews presented at an international conference "Astrophysics, Clocks and Fundamental Constants" organized as the 302nd WE-Heraeus-Seminar which took place in June, 2003, in Bad Honnef"--Pref.