Spatial and temporal variations of the fine-structure constant in the Finslerian universe

Abstract

Recent observations show that the electromagnetic fine-structure constant, α e, may vary with space and time. In the framework of Finsler spacetime, we propose here an anisotropic cosmological model, in which both spatial and temporal variations of α eare allowed. Our model naturally leads to the dipole structure of α e, and predicts that the dipole amplitude increases with time. We fit our model to the most up-to-date measurements of α efrom the quasar absorption lines. It is found that the dipole direction points towards (l,b) = (330.2-7.3,-13.05.6) in galactic coordinates, and the anisotropic parameter is b 0= (0.470.09) 10-5, which corresponds to a dipole amplitude (7.21.4)10-8 at redshift z = 0.015. This is consistent with the upper limit of the variation of α emeasured in the Milky Way. We also fit our model to Union2.1 type Ia supernovae, and find that the preferred direction of Union2.1 is consistent with the dipole direction of α e.