A. M. M. Pinho, M. Martinelli, C. J. A. P. Martins
Abstract
We introduce a methodology to test models with spatial variations of the fine-structure constant α, based on the calculation of the angular power spectrum of these measurements. This methodology enables comparisons of observations and theoretical models through their predictions on the statistics of the α variation. Here we apply it to the case of symmetron models. We find no indications of deviations from the standard behavior, with current data providing an upper limit to the strength of the symmetron coupling to gravity (log β2<-0.9) when this is the only free parameter, and not able to constrain the model when also the symmetry breaking scale factor aSSB is free to vary.
Keywords
Cosmology; Fundamental couplings; Fine-structure constant; Astrophysical observations
Physics Letters B
Volume 769, Page 491
2017 June
