Attempts at a Determination of the Fine-Structure Constant from First Principles: A Brief Historical Overview

Author

Ulrich D. Jentschura, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow
I. Nandori

Abstract

It has been a notably elusive task to find a remotely sensical ansatz for a calculation of Sommerfeld's electrodynamic fine-structure constant α_QED ≈ 1 /137.036 based on first principles. However, this has not prevented anumber of researchers to invest considerable effort into the problem, despite theformidable challenges, and a number of attempts have been recorded in the literature.Here, we review a possible approach based on the quantum electrodynamic (QED)β function,and on algebraic identities relating α_QED to invariant properties of'internal' symmetry groups, as well as attempts to relate the strength of theelectromagnetic interaction to the natural cutoff scale for other gauge theories.Conjectures based on both classical as well as quantum-field theoretical considerationsare discussed. We point out apparent strengths and weaknesses of the most prominentattempts that were recorded in the literature. This includes possible connections toscaling properties of the Einstein-Maxwell Lagrangian which describes gravitational andelectromagnetic interactions on curved space-times. Alternative approaches inspired bystring theory are also discussed. A conceivable variation of the fine-structure constantwith time would suggest a connection of α_QED to global structures of theUniverse, which in turn are largely determined by gravitational interactions.

Recommended Citation

U. D. Jentschura and I. Nandori, "Attempts at a Determination of the Fine-Structure Constant from First Principles: A Brief Historical Overview," European Physical Journal H, vol. 39, no. 5, pp. 591 - 613, Springer Verlag France, Dec 2014.

The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1140/epjh/e2014-50044-7

Department(s)

Physics

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

2102-6459

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2014 Springer Verlag France, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Dec 2014