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Space Science Reviews

, Volume 148, Issue 1–4, pp 267–288 | Cite as

Testing the Stability of the Fine Structure Constant in the Laboratory

  • N. Kolachevsky
  • A. Matveev
  • J. Alnis
  • C. G. Parthey
  • T. Steinmetz
  • T. Wilken
  • R. Holzwarth
  • T. Udem
  • T. W. Hänsch
Open Access
Article
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Abstract

In this review we discuss the progress of the past decade in testing for a possible temporal variation of the fine structure constant α. Advances in atomic sample preparation, laser spectroscopy and optical frequency measurements led to rapid reduction of measurement uncertainties. Eventually laboratory tests became the most sensitive tool to detect a possible variation of α at the present epoch. We explain the methods and technologies that helped to make this possible.

Keywords

Drift of the fine structure constant Frequency comb Laser stabilization 

PACS

06.20.Jr 06.30.Ft 32.30.Jc 
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Copyright information

© The Author(s) 2009

Authors and Affiliations

  • N. Kolachevsky
    • 1
    • 2
  • A. Matveev
    • 1
    • 2
  • J. Alnis
    • 1
  • C. G. Parthey
    • 1
  • T. Steinmetz
    • 1
    • 3
  • T. Wilken
    • 1
  • R. Holzwarth
    • 3
  • T. Udem
    • 1
  • T. W. Hänsch
    • 1
    • 4
  1. 1.Max-Planck Institut für QuantenoptikGarchingGermany
  2. 2.P.N. Lebedev Physical InstituteMoscowRussia
  3. 3.MenloSystems GmbHMartinsriedGermany
  4. 4.Ludwig-Maximilians-UniversitätMunichGermany

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