Citation:
Thompson RI, Bechtold J, Eisenstein D, Fan X, Arnett D, Martins C, Kennicutt R, Black J. A molecular probe of dark energy. Advances in Space Research [Internet]. 2008;42:596-598.
Abstract:
Many theoretical models of dark energy invoke rolling scaler fieldswhich in turn predict time varying values of the fundamental constants.Establishing the value of the fundamental constants at various times inthe universe can probe and test the various dark energy theories. One ofthe constants that is predicted to vary is the ratio of the electron toproton mass μ. It was established early on that molecular spectra aresensitive to the value of μ and can be used as probes of that value.This article describes the use of the spectrum of molecular hydrogen inhigh redshift Damped Lyman Alpha systems (DLAs) as a sensitive probe ofthe time evolution of μ.