Paper detail

WMAP 5-year constraints on time variation of $α$ and $m_e$

We studied the role of fundamental constants in an updated recombination scenario, focusing on the time variation of the fine structure constant αand the electron mass m_e in the early Universe. Using CMB data including WMAP 5-yr release, and the 2dFGRS power spectrum, we put bounds on variations of these constants, when both constants are allowed to vary, and in the case that only one of them is variable. In particular, we have found that -0.019 < Δα/ α_0 < 0.017 (95% c.l.), in our joint estimation of αand cosmological parameters. Finally, we analyze how the constraints depends on the recombination scenario.