Observational Constraints on Varying-Alpha Domain Walls

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Avelino, PP (Author) FCUP; Sousa, L (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Universe

Vol. 1

Pages: 6-16

ISSN: 2218-1997

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 6 Citations

Scopus - 6 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00P-B9F

DOI: 10.3390/universe1010006

Abstract (EN): We consider the possibility that current hints of spatial variations of the fine structure constant at high redshift, based on VLT/UVES and Keck/HIRES observations, could be caused by a biased domain wall network described by a scalar field non- minimally coupled to the electromagnetic field. We show that in order to be responsible for the reported spatial variations of the fine structure constant, the fractional contribution of the domain wall network to the energy density of the Universe should be tightly constrained within the range 10(-10) < Omega(w0) < 10(-5). We also show that the domain wall dynamics should be essentially frictionless, so that its characteristic scale is in the order of the Hubble radius at the present time

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 11